tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49814206320792533952024-03-05T13:34:34.635-06:00Faith and FamilyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-18373577144012824782015-09-24T10:16:00.000-05:002015-09-24T10:29:54.192-05:00Maximize momentum for lasting change<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.</i></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Philippians 1:6 (NLT)</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Today I can't stop thinking about this word and really more than that about the FEELING of <b><span style="color: purple;">momentum</span></b>. Have you ever experienced it? </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Maybe in an athletic or competitive event? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Or even in a day in which you started with a grateful heart and continued to express gratitude? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Or perhaps in a challenge you made for yourself...to pray or go to Bible study or stick to an exercise program? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The thing with momentum is that its beginnings have nothing to do with luck or chance, or possibly even desire. They have more to do with discipline. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The dictionary defines momentum as <i>the force or speed of movement; impetus, as of a physical object or course of events. </i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But something can't begin moving on its own. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Have you ever wanted something really badly but did nothing to make it happen. Except maybe pray. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I prayed for a really long time for my body to heal. A lot of tears were shed in desperation. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But until I made a decision to ACT, nothing happened. Momentum requires ACTion. Action requires a decision. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> My decision was that I would finally get "all in" about the clean eating and living I was professing. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> As I did, I noticed some changes. At first they were small, and then when I reached out to start a nutrition program, the changes got dramatic and very quickly. I required two things for this to be successful: a decision to do it well (discipline) and faith it could help me. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> With discipline and faith, I took action. With action came momentum. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Momentum is exciting, because that change I so desperately wanted was finally unfolding. I could feel it, and I could even see the inner healing on the outside of my body. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> My faith grew even more. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> But I never could have gotten there without action. Momentum requires force or speed to be initiated. </span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eTfwFumqSVJv2FO0ZFJ_8FNQfUjcxjurmLq6Lk-6qhioeU9p98nwQ8UqOPVQuvMunp3HPOCoaQRZill9_TIiszw2e4qr9LfDzbvTAnh2wLUULR6R41aa3Fqz9uhyLYOfZPeFU9cEKjAU/s1600/momentum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eTfwFumqSVJv2FO0ZFJ_8FNQfUjcxjurmLq6Lk-6qhioeU9p98nwQ8UqOPVQuvMunp3HPOCoaQRZill9_TIiszw2e4qr9LfDzbvTAnh2wLUULR6R41aa3Fqz9uhyLYOfZPeFU9cEKjAU/s400/momentum.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University taught me discipline with money. You may be wondering what this has to do with momentum, but you see, I needed to experience that change is good and that discipline leads to transformation. Once I had discipline with my finances, I decided to read my Bible daily. Once I was reading my Bible daily, I decided to pray daily. My continued commitment to action built my faith as I saw momentum in each area of my life. It played out in my physical life as well. We began meal planning, which requires discipline, and I started running races. In each area, I continued because I saw the positive impacts these actions were having in my life. Those positive impacts were the momentum. Once I got started, nothing could stop me because the reward was tangible at that point. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul writes, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It wasn't easy for Paul, as he was thrown in prison and persecuted for his discipline. But his momentum was salvation, not only for himself but for others. He had GOOD NEWS to share and nothing was going to stand in the way of his calling to spread the gospel. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Likewise, our momentum doesn't come without some jarring bumps. We get to decide if the pebble in our path will derail us completely, or if we pick it up, toss it out and continue forward. A little perseverance can help build and grow momentum. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> With continued faith and decisions to act daily on what we believe is good for us, we can be sure that the fight we fight for will be "good," the races will be finished even if they aren't won and our faith will be preserved even when shaken. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Today, I am determined to capitalize on momentum. To lean into it and to not let life's little bumps along the way stop the good thing that God has started. How about you? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-50671633116939860782015-09-09T13:43:00.000-05:002015-09-09T13:43:31.269-05:00My food addiction revelation<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So I'm standing in the mirror, just after a shower and getting frustrated at yet another hive-pimple breakout on my cheek. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> And I have this ah-ha moment that's kind of depressing. I realize I have to admit something. Not just to myself, but to this blog and to anyone who will listen. Because God told me to share. (Read yesterday's entry.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> (Side note: It's really a big DANG IT moment, because I don't know about you, but I HATE admitting my weaknesses. Some people call that prideful. It's genetic in my neck of the woods.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i> I am addicted to food. Sugary food. Chocolate food. Unhealthy food. All food. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I have a real problem. Really. I have a really real problem with food. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> There. It's out. It hurts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Right before my shower, I hate a fourth of a half-gallon of Praire Farms ice cream. It sat in my fridge for well over a week, and nobody ate it. So today in a moment of weakness that was just like all the others I had in the week that I was somehow able to overcome, I succumbed to it. I don't know why this time was different. I certainly was able to ignore that mouth-watering picture of a cow (Just kidding, cows don't make my mouth water. Well, maybe a little) a dozen other times I opened the freezer this week. But today, I ate it. I intended to eat just two bites. You know, because the "experts" say you really only need a couple bites to satisfy a craving. (What do they know?) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I bargained with myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i>I'll eat just a little more than that. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> In my mind, I visually carved out a section that would be "acceptable" to eat. The smaller portion on the left side of the container, which was really just a few more bites than the two I intended. Then I decided I would eat from that carton until the computer finally opened a program I was waiting to use. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But the computer was so slow. Another bite. Then another. I was eating as slow as the computer was working. So, you can see, it wasn't really my fault I ate it all, because it was the darn computer. The longer I waited for the computer to open the program, the more frustrated I became. The more frustrated I became, the more I justified the food in my hand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i> It wasn't my fault, after all. It was the stupid computer. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Then I went to hide the ice cream container in the trash, which was overflowing. So I stuffed it in the bag, put something bigger over it and took the trash out to the garage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I dusted off my hands — mission covert food addiction accomplished — and hopped in the shower. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> There's NO DOUBT my complexion is related to the sugar or the dairy, both of which I can hardly tolerate in large amounts. My reflection tells me a truth I don't want to acknowledge, and it doesn't lie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> But here's another truth. I'm normally so much better with food choices. I had been freed from the pain and suffering caused by years of abusive eating more than a year ago thanks to my full-body cellular cleansing and fat-burning replenishment system via Isagenix. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Well, I thought I was. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I used my pregnancy — not as an excuse, because excuses are excusable. Rather I used my pregnancy to justify something I should not be doing. That carried over in breastfeeding. Don't ask how, but in my mind, it all made sense. Extra calories. Pampering my body, which was suffering the ups and downs — mostly downs — of pregnancy and then caring for a newborn. And the struggles of early breastfeeding. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> You may be wondering why this is any big deal at all. I mean, is ice cream bad? Most people don't think so in the slightest. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The truth is, yes and no. This product is made of ingredients that make me sick. They make everyone sick, if we're honest, but they make me sicker than most people. And I KNOW in my heart that I can satisfy that craving with something healthy. I also KNOW I could have stopped at two bites. I also KNOW I could have recognized the signs a few more bites in that I was emotionally eating. I also KNOW that I was playing games to justified my bad choice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I guess I'm making progress, because I'm seeing it more clearly now, even if in retrospective. I understand what I'm doing. I know it's wrong, and I want to make right choices. I want to make right choices because I've cleansed my body, which helped me in all ways with cravings. I know that a clean body wants what it needs, not what's sitting in the freezer. And I know when my body is alkaline and clean, it functions so much better. Gone is the restlessness, the mental fog and the lack of energy throughout the day. My pain was resolved once I made better choices in my diet. My eating habits made my body function better, and I was much happier. That's right, eating good food (which doesn't include Prairie Farms ice cream, believe it or not!) made me happier. Feed the body, fuel the mind!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Yet here I was stumbling. I had just told my husband two days earlier I had a food addiction. I admitted that I had bought a Reese's PB cup in the store checkout that day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> <i> So what</i>, he said. <i>That doesn't mean you're addicted to food. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Bless him. He's so nice. He loves me, and he doesn't want me to feel bad about myself. He never has. So in a way, he helps me justify. I don't want him to help me justify. I want to be free again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i>I hid the wrapper in a zipper pocket of my purse</i>, I said. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxVqMdAktwNT7683JMXJZ-JC7vt0NPclE1swVfu10lDCfI2bDhuIMdfm4QaAMgb__MslDLY8ABaq2vuify2P5fRchsKAQJWTbwJzP8j20mWB37sYdScXoOAfLobqqlWJxMyUKGY25MFEu/s1600/IMG_8208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxVqMdAktwNT7683JMXJZ-JC7vt0NPclE1swVfu10lDCfI2bDhuIMdfm4QaAMgb__MslDLY8ABaq2vuify2P5fRchsKAQJWTbwJzP8j20mWB37sYdScXoOAfLobqqlWJxMyUKGY25MFEu/s640/IMG_8208.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evidence of my food addiction can be found tucked away in undisclosed locations. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It's not like it was the first time, I said, but just in my head this time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I realized that it's a thing I do. It's a thing I've always done. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Sure, there are some people who eat giant stacks of Oreos and 65-ounce sodas out in the open. They may know it's bad or that it's unhealthy. Heck, they may even realize they have a food addiction. They may be struggling. I don't know, because they aren't me. I just know my food addiction is a covert one. It's hard for me to admit. I think the ones who do it openly might have more integrity than me. But let's be honest, a food addiction is dangerous and the struggle is real no matter where the battleground is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Even harder than food addiction, at least for me, is admitting that the food controls me. I allow the food to control me. I'm out of control. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I said this to my husband, tears streaming down my face. He made some joke about how he was on his second lunch. He was. But both were relatively healthy. I don't see him binging on ice cream. Ever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i>Besides</i>, I said. <i>I'm not here to condemn or point out anyone else's eating habits. I am here to say, I have a problem, and I need help. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The truth is Isagenix was a tool that helped me overcome the food addiction I wasn't even admitting I had a year ago. Now that I KNOW I have a problem, I'm using the fact that I can't cleanse as an excuse to further justify my bad behavior. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I still have some tools. The products I can eat have some qualities to assist me with the addiction, plus I can utilize Rod Hairston's wonderful new coaching program for a healthy mind and body. (I'm in heaven about this addition to a company that already stands for integrity and completeness in everything it does!) And I still and always have the power of prayer. Now, I can add to my tools that I have knowledge, which I've been told is power. (Ha! See how I did that there?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Much as I hated admitting I'm addicted to food, God — in his infinite wisdom — blessed me with a girl's writing yesterday to confirm that I am SUPPOSED to share this with you. Isabelle Loux has written about her struggles with anxiety and depression, writing I'm blessed that she's allowing to be published in Mighty Strong Girls. But the truth is, her perspective has blessed me as the writing of so many girls in this ministry has! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> They constantly remind me that we don't get help in the dark. We MUST bring our struggles into the light. There, we find hope, mercy, Jesus, forgiveness and community. We discover we aren't alone, and mostly importantly, we help one another. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> If this resonates with you, then join me, please. Help me be accountable, and I'll help you. Let's live this struggle out — in the light. Let this post be the start of a conversation, and let's get really real with one another!</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-33424856535834628582015-09-08T14:36:00.000-05:002015-09-08T14:36:46.007-05:00Disobedience: My hidden sin<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Do you ever feel like God is nudging you to do something, yet you are holding back? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> There are some things in life I'm certain of, and one of those is that all God wants from me is obedience. My obedience, which looks far different than the obedience of His other children, is always a battle. I'm a stubborn control-freak of a child. True story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It's also a fact that being obedient to God helps me with so much more than my faith. It keeps my eyes on Him so as to not be bound by jealousy or bitterness. It keeps me squarely in His purpose for me alone. It helps me to see through His eyes, so I'm more apt to love and pray for other people and use my gifts for His glory. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Typically, being obedient to Him means I have little time to worry about the sins of others, criticize, judge or condemn. If I'm honest, doing what He tells me usually involves me working on my sins and purpose, so He can give me freedom to soar in my identity in Christ. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But there was this one thing He asked me to do four years ago that I stubbornly dig my heels in about every chance I get. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> God made it clear to me that I am to share stories of myself and to do so authentically, using my voice through writing on this blog and other publications. Part of me loved this calling, because I have always had a deep passion for writing. But there was part of me holding back from the very beginning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The authentically part. Because being authentic means being honest with yourself and exploring areas of the depth of your soul you may not really want to. Subjects that are dark and difficult. Parts of me I'd rather hide.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I did not want to bring these into the light. So like most defiant children, I didn't. I wrote about what I wanted to write about and ignored the truths He laid out in front of me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I cannot tell you how detrimental this was to my health and particularly how it affected not just my spiritual being but my physical and emotional selves, too. (See above. The parts about jealous, bitterness, love and gifts. Yep, I was regularly a hot mess of ugliness!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Not long ago I read an article about the hidden sins of Christians. Two of them stood out at me as if God Himself had gotten out His bright pink highlighter for my sake: hypocrisy and caring more about what other people think than what God thinks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I have a real problem with hypocrisy, as you can tell. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> You see, I was holding back complete obedience to God in my writing and blogging because I thought to do so would make me seem arrogant. I like to think of one of my spiritual strengths as humility. I like to serve, and I highly value those amazing servants who do so without much fanfare or praise, whose work is so far behind the scenes that maybe, just maybe, God is the only witness. I don't like being in the limelight; I never have. So to say that writing about my struggles — some that I've overcome and some that are sins I still wrestle with — would be outside my comfort zone is the understatement of the decade. My history in writing is to interview other people and write their stories, not to write my own. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWU0o9CVW4U_mrxX9QDqsXCeyR4Vs5P4W7868ivxfBTZeG3x1IxP0lHK8gFpHhW6PaZsV7j2KjJU0KWOZO2BD5VgGdHCDcxJXB3KrIQTVAv0EZgj9g921WImaV_1N61URK6Pu_2SgKbiD/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWU0o9CVW4U_mrxX9QDqsXCeyR4Vs5P4W7868ivxfBTZeG3x1IxP0lHK8gFpHhW6PaZsV7j2KjJU0KWOZO2BD5VgGdHCDcxJXB3KrIQTVAv0EZgj9g921WImaV_1N61URK6Pu_2SgKbiD/s400/IMG_4736.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> There were other factors at play, too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fear of criticism and judgement, fear that others would view me as prideful, an unlikely expert for writing about the topics I'm called to write about. Not surprisingly, fear is the subject of an upcoming Mighty Strong Girls publication, and God was revealing to me through others' writing submissions how I was letting my fear rule me and keep me from obedience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So I balked. Over and over, I let me fear trump my calling. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> A few weeks ago, my pastor preached about Nehemiah and how God used Him to rebuild the temple as God wants to use us to rebuild our lives, His church and His kingdom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> It resonated with me, as God has recently been rebuilding my life, and I realized I was not walking in full with His beautiful purpose for me because of my disobedience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I know my calling. That much is clear. But I'm distracted by other things that seem tempting. I'm distracted by fear and criticisms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> That sermon opened my eyes to the fact that I'm getting in my own way with my disobedience. I am blocking God from using me for the very purposes He designed me for!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> God never promised I wouldn't face criticism, so in a way, my fears are founded on fact. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But why do we think for one moment that to walk in His will as we walk toward our purpose that He will reward us by lavishing us with constant blessings. Jesus' disciples made sacrifices. They were mocked. They, too, had fears and doubts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fears have never been powerful enough to stop destiny! Take my fear of childbirth, for instance. I did it — three times, mind you — and lived to tell the tale. It's walking through and facing those fears that builds our faith and our testimony. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> To bring our stories into the light...it's not about us anyway, especially when He calls us to do it. Even when we don't like the way He wants us to do it. Who am I to think I know better than Him the way in which I'm to do His work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It is encouraging for me to remember that Nehemiah and Daniel and Jesus' disciples and David and even Jesus Himself were not immune to fears, temptations and doubts. However, they did not change the fact that these men had great work at hand for their lives, God's church and His kingdom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So do I. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> And so do you. </span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-51406837208303596382015-08-31T08:26:00.000-05:002015-08-31T08:29:43.583-05:00Persistence<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <strong style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Romans 12:12</strong><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><em style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> When I launched Mighty Strong Girls four years ago, I wrongly assumed that because I was acting on the will of God that life would suddenly get better and easier. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Some things did. Partners quickly emerged. Prayers were answered. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But not everything was easy. Most of all, my personal growth and development. I had a long way to go to really prepare my heart and mind for this ministry work. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Why I didn't think I needed to transform just shows my spiritual immaturity. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I mean, think about it. Most all of those great men and women of the Bible who worked in the will of God had a period of preparation and trials that tested their perseverance. Moses tried to argue with God that he wasn't qualified. Nobody thought David would be God's chosen king for a nation. God called him at a young age, but he wouldn't become king for many, many years. During his journey of preparation, David's brothers mocked him for thinking he could go up against Goliath; Saul doubted him. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Sadly, attacks on ministry don't just come from the world. God's own people were some of the worst critics of those who were doing His work. Not even Jesus escaped criticism — some from his own earthly family. Judas betrayed Him; Peter denied Him.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> If Jesus had to overcome temptation and trials to complete His ministry, why do we think it will be any easier for us? </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Discouragement is everywhere. And when it comes, it rains down on our desire to persevere. How many of us want to quit (jobs, sports, diets, church, etc.) when things get hard? How often do we want to walk away when things seem too overwhelming? How many times do we want to let someone else carry the load when it seems to unbearable? </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I'm reminded that to persevere in ministry, as in life, I must be persistent. How can I be persistent? As the scripture above states, I must not only never give up, but I must also be patient and in a constant state of prayer. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Often when I'm facing a major shaking in my life, as I am now, I sense from God that it's time to turn to Him in prayer. That perhaps I've turned away from Him or let my prayer life fade or that it's time to take my prayer to a new level. </span></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghyphenhyphen7BPwgU7gp8RBSl2wEsbrNfLy8w9iTwHFJnebXAiX-KszV-tXOxJnjENpRScqKO4Lme3gRlmuLvXlc4mktib_AqjpgIttJTT_CMMALu2pMi-mF3VVg0uFkrCcqp6cZv_7ELLuSkUWDN/s1600/IMG_4497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghyphenhyphen7BPwgU7gp8RBSl2wEsbrNfLy8w9iTwHFJnebXAiX-KszV-tXOxJnjENpRScqKO4Lme3gRlmuLvXlc4mktib_AqjpgIttJTT_CMMALu2pMi-mF3VVg0uFkrCcqp6cZv_7ELLuSkUWDN/s400/IMG_4497.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It's time for me to get away so I can wait. To run off with my Bible and prayer journal, to spend time with my Beloved, who calls on me. It's time to be persistent — not just in doing His work. Sometimes we wrongly put the emphasis on what we can do: the busy work of crossing things off a list. But what He wants isn't our work, it's our relationship with Him. Persistence cannot be carried out without His guidance. I can't be guided without a relationship. I can't cross things off my list without Him. Sometimes, quite frankly, to persist we must simply stop. Stop doing so much. Stop relying on ourselves. Stop trying to control. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> T</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">o wait on the Lord, as He says in His word, is to know Him. Persistently, I must wait patiently and in prayer. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Be honest. Doesn't that seem so much easier than trying to run and do and cross things off a list? Why do we think our Lord and Savior wants to create more work for us when all He really desires is that we wait and listen for Him? He is all we ever need. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-88461378810368712782015-08-06T10:35:00.003-05:002015-08-06T10:35:32.490-05:00Overcoming my late-in-life pregnancy fears<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So, I'm probably about to have blog-rrhea. There was so much I wanted to write while pregnant, and the truth is...I was terrified to put my thoughts into writing during those months. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It was one of the most fearful seasons of my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fear...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...I would lose the baby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...something serious was wrong with the baby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...of our home sale falling apart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...that putting my kids back in public school was the wrong decision. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...we wouldn't be able to afford another child. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...of every single symptomatic issue I had in pregnancy. (Yes, I spent a lot of time on Google. Then I admitted I had a problem, promised to stay off the Internet and relapsed after about 24 hours. I realize I have issues!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...that if I talked about any of this, something dreadful would happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...I would gain too much weight, not be able to lose the weight after the pregnancy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...I would succumb to food addictions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...of giving birth naturally, which I was trying to commit myself to doing but even my efforts left me doubting I could. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...God would hate me or punish me for so many fears and doubts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> ...of my fears. (My anxiety disorder seemed so under control until this....all of this. It was overwhelming!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So I didn't write them. Or speak them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But they haunted me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...at every doctor's appointment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...with every snide comment about my age in pregnancy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...in every headline about a stillbirth or studies about the dangers of pregnancy "late in life." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...during the day and into the night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...as I listened to a horrendous podcast about depression in pregnancy (1 in 3 women suffer, almost always in silence) and wondered if it was me the author was describing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> ...with all the insomnia bouts that returned with a vengeance in my third trimester. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I was so glad God was speaking to me during this time and reassuring me. But me, in Amy-the-persistent-worrier fashion, continued to doubt and question. For every worry or fear, I grasped onto the one person who could bring me peace and reassurance. I had to keep going back to Him time and time again because I had such a restless spirit. I think He probably had me right where He wanted me. But I couldn't help shake my feelings of inadequate faith. It was touch and go. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I wish I could say that I had a great support network. I definitely had friends who were checking in on me and a husband who was there to listen to all my insecurities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But for every friend who was supportive, there were three people who were negative. Some were silently protesting. Others whispered behind my back. I felt every sting. We received comments like, "How could you be so stupid (to get pregnant at your age)?" "Do you know how this happens?" and my all-time favorite said right to my face, "You're f----ed." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Many of these comments came from so-called friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It was so hard to share our news, not knowing what the reaction would be from a world where the attitudes about a fetus fall more along the lines of a "clump of cells," rather than my precious daughter, a life, a creation of God's. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> An older woman having a baby seemed foolish. Heck, even I was skeptical in the beginning. It certainly wasn't our plan. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But it was our prayer. It was just a prayer from seven years prior...long forgotten. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> At least we'd forgotten. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But someone hadn't. That one person — all holy and almighty — didn't forget the cries of my heart. And deep down, I trusted His timing. He said no to my prayer then. But He said yes to my prayer in this chapter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So I trusted in Him, while so many others disappointed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Faith. But a shaky, insecure, immature faith, to be sure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Still, a glorious story unfolded in spite of my fears when my beautiful baby entered the world. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8FiGymuQ3QrRjI7mz5M8eI3-axkiXSyvLzBLhVQoqWUycwXHXtwPjnaHP0rDwO3Fo2V7TletSraDvBLI1GORYDwSsQi69Met954pClDKmpxcU9z8Wnla3hKOGp_PxrJfSQUwkfae2qha/s1600/_DSC9446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8FiGymuQ3QrRjI7mz5M8eI3-axkiXSyvLzBLhVQoqWUycwXHXtwPjnaHP0rDwO3Fo2V7TletSraDvBLI1GORYDwSsQi69Met954pClDKmpxcU9z8Wnla3hKOGp_PxrJfSQUwkfae2qha/s400/_DSC9446.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet daughter, born in God's timing as His plan unfolds for our lives.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> She came naturally. But not without trouble. Her positioning was wrong. Labor, which I thought would be fast and not nearly as painful for all my preparation, didn't deliver on those promises. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But I was reminded that God doesn't promise life will be easy. He simply promises He will walk through it with us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The birthing plan I had, the techniques I had practiced and prayed upon did not work out like I had hoped. But the scriptures I had written out on notecards gave me the hope and reassurance I need. Just as His word and my relationship with Him carried me through each day of the pregnancy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Indeed, I was never alone. And I knew, no matter what happened to me or the baby, He would help me through it. After all, this was His plan, unfolding in His timing in answer to a deep prayer of my heart. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-54449999893907974472015-03-17T20:18:00.000-05:002015-03-17T20:18:39.518-05:00The long awaited sonogram didn't provide the answers we were hoping for! <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I wasn't prepared for this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Well, maybe a little. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> A week before I stood staring with my jaw drooping to the floor, positive pregnancy test in hand, we finally made a decision to move forward with adoption. In an all-new way. All four of us decided we were equipped to handle a baby. We could logistically do it. We were mentally and emotionally prepared. We would go through classes and become a foster family to a newborn. It was settled. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> And then the unthinkable happened. Six weeks shy of my 41st birthday I discovered that the two missed periods weren't symptomatic of pre-menapause. Or some fluke.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Immediately, my doctor sprung into action. Blood test in the next three hours. Immediate appointment. She even came in at 8 a.m. on the first morning of her week off to see me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Because. Because of my age, I am HIGH RISK. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Frankly, it seemed like more hype than necessary. I just ran a 10-mile race — seven more miles than I'd ever ran consecutively before 2014. I was down 22 pounds and feeling better than I did when I was in my 20s! I felt WAY more healthy than I did in my early pregnancies with the other two. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Didn't matter. Statistically speaking, I have a higher rate of complications. So does the baby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Speaking of the baby's risks, I had taken prednisone in early December for a freaky outbreak of poison oak or ivy that was all over my arm and face. It was not a super high dose, but it wasn't a low dose either. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> My doctor looked at the dates and decided rather than send me to a neonatal specialist, she would check closely for birth defects at our sonogram at 20 weeks. Specifically she mentioned mid-line birth defects of the heart, spine and possible cleft lip/palate. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamIGemQxv6w9nK_E69bE3klpLa3MBHBuDwI5gh1N8doV6vEHpsKvssoAHBHrchio0ziMhDPkXkRdHLTWk43s0hwThG_iVrE5QT7zPaIOP20BlNygACIfvkCtIhrffVSNaBEwLGQVYVE79/s1600/movie+poster+announcement2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamIGemQxv6w9nK_E69bE3klpLa3MBHBuDwI5gh1N8doV6vEHpsKvssoAHBHrchio0ziMhDPkXkRdHLTWk43s0hwThG_iVrE5QT7zPaIOP20BlNygACIfvkCtIhrffVSNaBEwLGQVYVE79/s1600/movie+poster+announcement2.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> That day came on Monday, and I was certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was going to show up and the results would indicate what a perfect baby I was carrying. That He would give me peace and comfort that the medicine hadn't done damage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I should have known better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> She was wiggly and uncooperative. She spun to put her back to the "camera" and there were no good images to be had of her heart, lower spine or face. Everything else they could see just fine, especially the fact that she is a SHE. Except the places where we wanted reassurance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I was angry. Because a few weeks earlier I had read a study that sonogram technology has been linked to autism/ADHD/neurological issues. I decided on the spot that we wouldn't do another one. So God HAD to show up. Right? Ugh! So why had he abandoned me?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We had a wonderful chat with our doctor, who was honest and admitted there are risks doing another sonogram. She didn't do all the recommended sonograms on her own pregnancy. She supported our decision after she had already told us that everything they could see on the images suggested that this baby is very, very healthy. So am I and so is the pregnancy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dan and I have peace in that if there is a defect, we live in a community with the very best doctors and medical resources. Our girl will be fine. We will be fine. Even if everything isn't perfect. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Life is really never perfect anyhow. It's a little broken. And a little messy. And a little unpredictable. And a lot challenging. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Which is why we (especially me!) NEED God. That's where I should have known better. Each time I make a step of faith, I find myself in an imperfect spot. In other words, just because I trusted God and He helped me through a situation doesn't mean He's done with me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Instead, there's another step I must take. Sometimes a bigger one or a harder one than the last. It's simple really. If I didn't need Him, I might let go. But He isn't letting me. This sonogram result is really a gift, reminding me that no matter how smart technology is and no matter how much I think I can handle something on my own, I'm really hopeless and helpless without Him by my side. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> As I worked through my anger with Him for not providing this reassurance, this answer to prayer, I realized sometimes He's answering even bigger prayers of ours. I would never want to be estranged from Him, especially in my hardest hours. Especially as I continue to be bombarded with information — like statistics about stillborn babies born to older moms — and people's insane opinions that we're too old (and consequently stupid) to "let" this happen. (For the record, we had two types of infertility but just went on a super foods diet and cleanse with an amazing company!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I have a confession to make, and it's hard for me to make it. Because it shows how vulnerable and untrusting and hard-hearted I am. These comments and stories and statistics have made me detached. Fear of losing the baby has made me less engaged in this pregnancy. Less excited. Less hopeful. Sadly, I realized today that a detached mom is never a good mom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> A baby is ALWAYS a blessing. I realized if the baby doesn't live a day outside the womb, it's still my job (and my greatest privilege) to be the best mom I can be until the point that I'm no longer a mom to this girl or my other children. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So I made a decision that I will begin bonding with this sweet, active girl right now. Just like my amazing son, who has been reading stories and books to the baby since before she could read. Yes, I think I will have faith like his. Faith like a child. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-71669216214668441932015-01-01T20:55:00.000-06:002015-01-01T21:07:29.345-06:00New Year, New YOU!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Well, that's a deceiving title. I don't know if there will be a NEW YOU in 2015, but I do know there will be a NEW ME! <br /> I love fresh starts, do-overs, blank pages. I am a writer, after all, and there's nothing more inspiring than a new page to start a new story. I've been thinking a lot about my New Year's post, mostly because last year I was in Sierra Leone and coming off of one of the worst years in my life. I didn't write a New Year's post. I was in a not-so-good place. 2013 was a crappy year — one I KNEW I didn't want to repeat. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Yet, I was afraid to write down a thing. Because, you see, 2013 started on a very positive note. And it just got worse and worse until it ended in what seemed like an abyss of darkness. I could hardly bear the thought of writing out goals and starting out a positive note when so much "could" go wrong. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> So I started out wrong. I cried at my annual doctor appointment in January, and I moped around in self pity for a few months. I became my own worst enemy. I didn't mean to; it just kind of happened gradually. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Then I decided that if I wanted God to answer my prayers, I better use the brain He gave me to make better choices. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> He made it clear before I began that it all hinged on one thing. <i>Get over the pity party. </i>God reminded me that He loved me in the miserable, pathetic place where I was living, and before I did anything, I better love the girl in the mirror. Because He did. And so did my husband. It was time for my most important choice of all. LOVE MYSELF JUST AS I AM, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, KNOWING SHE MIGHT NEVER CHANGE A BIT. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Just like that, I did. A few months into what appeared to be the crappy start to another crappy year, I set my goal. My one goal. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> In April/May, I decided I was going to take the best care of myself that I humanly could and make the best choices I was financially and practically able to make to be the healthiest me. After all, I am charged with taking care of the body God gave me, the one He calls His temple. I was so used to taking care of everyone else first that it was a big adjustment, but I didn't want to miss another holiday. I had spent Halloween in bed in 2013 because it happened to be one of the 3-6 days a month that I was so sick I couldn't function. <br /> 2014 was a mixed year. There were challenges, still, like there had been the year before. But I learned so much, mostly that while the bad years suck, they are the ones where I grow the most. The bad times are when I find myself learning more about myself and realizing just how faithful God is, as crazy as that sounds. He speaks more and more when I am hurting, sad and desperate. And that part is actually good, and my growth is also worth celebrating. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> It also helps me remember that the accomplishments and memories during these times are that much better. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> In 2014, I had insomnia, but I wrote a book. I had pain, but I found Isagenix. I was hurt by people I loved, but God proved He's all I'll ever need. I spent many days in bed sick, but the chains of illness were broke forever. I felt shadows of depression and then learned the way to true JOY through my Savior. <br /> I COULD focus on all the crappy things that happened. Or I can chose to see all the wonderful things God did in the midst of the muck and mire. That's just how good He is, that He does care very much about our hurting and suffering. Amazing character growth can come through it, and He certainly cares about that. But mostly He just wants us to cling to Him. <br /> Some people say we shouldn't relive the past, but I learned a lot last year, so I'd like to take those lessons forward!<br /> Things I did in 2014 that I want to repeat in 2015: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 1. Fuel my body with health foods. Isagenix was by FAR the best thing in my year. I kept trying and trying and failing with better and organic foods. Nothing even came close. I'm so grateful for the healthy products I'm putting in my and my family members' bodies — and in my baby's body. <br /> 2. More spas. I'm so thankful for my friend Jan and the spa she did for me. This has been a fabulous tool to show the LOVE of Jesus to girls and moms in a world that sees Jesus as punitive and monstrous.<br /> 3. Write a book. I have the idea and concept for another one, and I'm praying God will show me how to publish the first one! Maybe it's just to my blog, or maybe just to the women and girls who go through the spa. I'd love for Him to show me the way.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> "New" goals for the new year:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 4. Spend more quality time with family. Homeschooling and working from home means we're constantly in each others' hair, but it doesn't mean we spend "quality" time together. I want to be more intentional with my family! This will be more important than ever with baby No. 3 on the way this summer. <br /> 5. Build my Isagenix business. By the grace of God, our products are paid for, so that's HUGE and I'm grateful for it. But we do need a car because Dan can't fit four in his truck. I have specific financial goals, and I'm praying that Isagenix is the answer because not only does it help us, but the nutrition is freeing so many of my loved ones from food addictions and enabling them to eat healthier than ever before! My specific goals are to buy an inexpensive used car by May and have an income of $500 a month over and above for myself. By the end of the year, my goal is $5,000 a month. Sound crazy? I'm totally motivated to help my friends Rick and Paula Miller — missionaries who lost a lot of funding and need to get back home to Sierra Leone as soon as possible. I'm trusting God to make the impossible possible! Having more money to give is another one of the best things about Isagenix!! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 6. Sell our house and downsize our mortgage. This goes along with No. 5. If we can shave $500 off our mortgage, it will allow us to afford baby no. 3 AND have more to give! <br /><br /> Things I did in 2014 I hope to never do again: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 7. Obsess over homeschool. I'm attending the conference and finding a more managable online school for the next school year. All this planning, grading and curriculum design is NOT my thing! <br /> 8. Keep my house meticulous. That means our house needs to sell and soon. I don't like living in a museum state, chasing dust bunnies and getting OCD about crumbs on the floor. I'd like to move on to things that matter!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 9. Overcommit. I am learning boundaries and more about this two-letter word NO. It might require loads of therapy, but I hear using this word can be done! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 10. Spend a week in a beach house with extended family. Thanks for the
memories! A repeat is not necessary. I actually just threw this in
because it's funny. It really wasn't that bad. There was a beach after all. Did I
mention the beach was LOADED with the stinkiest seaweed, interspersed with six-foot mounds of seaweed? It was
like a metaphor for how we felt sharing that space. I'm kidding. We
loved every minute of it. There are seaweed sculptures — and photos — to prove it. </span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJaoL9cgX6eVfB8e9rCpuE4b-1LiLb7h5zW3hFZLU7OgkxwuT4X6FCTRWI9WG_Lfjw8UG2pN2INqFfR5Cu3U2951mgnicILkiWXCEQIs_WsRGL9MHke-TbgGKQjW6nPYfWVx2uzyMvQw9/s1600/_DSC9905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJaoL9cgX6eVfB8e9rCpuE4b-1LiLb7h5zW3hFZLU7OgkxwuT4X6FCTRWI9WG_Lfjw8UG2pN2INqFfR5Cu3U2951mgnicILkiWXCEQIs_WsRGL9MHke-TbgGKQjW6nPYfWVx2uzyMvQw9/s1600/_DSC9905.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAY7Yfppk6oOdl129oI7txG35BQiTXKIp5TROk7q0THfeHC6q5Qk27M65NAvhsjY43CBDqWo5xgnrYtNqOdZr1zvAv9NruMjkP4rS5lDbBw3cxHb0pdeI7Np4n1NP8HvZqZSh5449bQox/s1600/_DSC9907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAY7Yfppk6oOdl129oI7txG35BQiTXKIp5TROk7q0THfeHC6q5Qk27M65NAvhsjY43CBDqWo5xgnrYtNqOdZr1zvAv9NruMjkP4rS5lDbBw3cxHb0pdeI7Np4n1NP8HvZqZSh5449bQox/s1600/_DSC9907.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-67215462099824557282014-09-25T22:26:00.002-05:002014-09-25T22:48:56.878-05:00Three ways to lessen fear<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> You know what's really beautiful about fear? Perfect love casts it out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The theme of my blog post this week is about fear. Some days I have none, and other days, I seem so consumed with it that it paralyzes my everyday tasks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> If you have fears a lot, or even occasionally, you are in good company. Even some of the most courageous heroes of the Bible had moments of hesitation and chances to overcome great fears, which always strengthened their faith. Fear is really an opportunity to grow closer to God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> When I struggle with the choking squeeze of something threatening, I look to their stories to be reminded of how I can overcome. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Here are three ways to face fear: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> 1. Timing is everything. I love the story of Esther. I especially love how perfectly every detail is spun in time. The fact that she was fasting (and likely praying) before she made her move. Patience is often key when it comes to acting on things. Fear promulgates an irrational sort of impulsiveness. But being impetuous can cause anger, missteps and regrets. Love, on the other hand, is patient. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Esther had the courage to petition the king by way of a banquet for him and Haman. The king tells her that he will give her virtually anything she asks for. Yet she simply asks the king and Haman to come to another banquet the following night and then she will ask her question of the king. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Why didn't she just ask then? The story doesn't tell us. What a strange thing to do! Did she lose her courage? Or was she simply waiting on God's perfect timing?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Later that night, when the king is wrestling with sleeplessness, he asks to look at the book of chronicles, a record of his reign. That is when he is reminded of the man, Mordecai, who saved King Xerxes life when he reported overhearing two guards talking about assassinating him. It was then King Xerxes realizes that nothing was done to thank or reward Mordecai. He falls asleep with a deep appreciation of the man he had forgotten to remember and a plan to right that wrong! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The next night, Esther reveals Haman's evil plan to destroy all Jews because of his hatred for Mordecai. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Can you imagine how this story would have turned out if the king didn't recall who Mordecai was? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> God is in every detail. He is in the timing, His perfect timing. He is patient and just. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We can face our fears by being patient and trusting in God's timing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> 2. Let your freak flag wave. One of my favorite lines from Shrek the Musical, letting your freak flag wave is another way of saying don't be afraid to be bold and true to yourself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I wonder if Noah had any fears as he was building the ark. <i>Will this thing float? How will the animals get on board? How will they get along? How will my family get along? Will it be done in time?</i> Not to mention the fear of what everyone was thinking and saying about him as he built the ark. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The Bible is often vacant of the emotion, leaving the reader to imagine what was going through the minds of God's people. Genesis only tells us what Noah did; it doesn't reveal to us how he felt. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to imagine that Noah was one freak-flag-waving dude. He was obedient. He trusted God, despite how strange he must have seemed to those around him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Genesis 8:11, which inspired a beautiful mosaic that my daughter made last year of the dove carrying an olive branch in its beak. The verse simple says, "When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> First off, that exclamation point is a big clue. The authors in the Bible don't tend to overuse them like the author of this blog does! It was a big, hairy deal that after 40 days of non-stop raining and another 150+ days of flooding and then receding of another 40+ days there was a leaf. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Genesis 8:11 doesn't include the word HOPE, but in my mind, it's the theme of this verse. It's the reward for waving the freak flag. God always comes through when we are obedient to Him. The master of the universe knows what He's doing. Trusting Him = overcoming fears. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> 3. Put fear in perspective. The fears we face often seem way bigger from our limited vantage point. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Just think of puny David slaying Goliath. Nobody thought it could be done. The Isrealites plotted and they planned, but in the end, they chickened out. And here comes this unlikely hero, saying he will face the giant that had an army cowering like a toddler trembling under the sheets afraid of a monster under the bed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Then David rejects the armor and helmet and takes five smooth stones and his slingshot instead. Can you imagine? He, too, was waving a freak flag, folks! Even Goliath mocks David. But in typical limited human mind fashion, David was over prepared for the job. He only needed the one stone, which sank into Goliath's forehead and knocked him to the ground, striking him dead. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> When I think of those things that cause me to tremble, I have to remember to trust God. He has the timing figured out. He has prepared me uniquely for the job, freaky though I might feel at times, and He has more than equipped me for the task. I'm praying next time I begin to fear, I will trust more and leave the extra four stones behind. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-74215860962777204122014-09-18T13:49:00.000-05:002014-09-18T13:49:53.292-05:00Three ways to live a life of content<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Maybe it's the fact that my house is on the market and I'm at my wit's end financially and with home school. Or perhaps its that I'm constantly filled with ideas and a propensity to act boldly on them without first prayerfully considering each and every idea. Or that sometimes I pray an issue to death when I should have simply acted on, and I have an uncanny ability in 80 percent of situations to over OR under pray. Regardless of the reason or circumstances, I've been feeling like I've been living in a state of discontent. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <i>The waiting room. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I've called it this before. It's where I sit and </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(God help me) </span></span>pray and listen patiently (as if!) for God to answer. I'm laying it before Him and wondering if He will make the path clear. Or how long I should wait exactly before I must do something. Is it logic that's driving me or faith? I've relied of faith for so long that I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't just do something. I don't really want to take control away from God, but I also know God gave me a brain and skills. Logic dictates that if I'm having a struggle, I should work through it with the brains and resources He gave me. That's faith, too, right? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> It can sometimes be confusing to know just what to do, but one thing is certain. God is not a God of chaos. He beckons us into His peaceful presence, of only we will reach out and take His hand. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Today's blog is about three ways I can be content. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Content, according to the dictionary, means "in a state of peaceful happiness." Two things immediately occur to me: happiness is temporary, and to be in a state is also temporary. The dictionary defines state as "the particular condition that someone or something is in at a specific time."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I can't say for sure, but I don't think God wants us to be content only sometimes. I think He desires for us heaping portions of contentment, because it means that even when things aren't "settled" in life, we can rely on Him to bring us peace. He also understands that we are human, and sometimes we will screw this up no matter how hard we try. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Here are three things that have helped me: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 1. Count your blessings — Literally begin to write down all the things you are grateful for. My friend Jan gave me a pocket-size book that I keep in my purse. It's a place I can be intentional about the blessings that are adding up in my life. You don't need a special book, though. Keep a journal or hang up a piece of lined paper in your kitchen. Dedicate a portion of your wall and call it the "Gratitude Wall." Or, put plain paper in frames and use Dry Erase markers to write out your messages of thanksgiving every day. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 2. Pray — Nothing makes my heart more soft than to take it to the Lord. If I'm feeling particularly unsettled or stressed out, I sit down to pray with a promise that I won't get up until my jaw isn't clenched or my shoulders are no longer tense. Whatever spot you physically experience discontentment, don't stop praying until it's no longer affected. Take deep breaths. Concentrate on the rhythm of your breathing or your heart beat while you meditate on scripture. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Pray whatever the Lord brings to mind. Journal your prayer. Look up scriptures that He brings to mind. Try not to be resentful of your time in prayer, because He will assuredly help you complete whatever tasks you set aside to seek Him. Trust Him. You will do more with Him than you could ever accomplish on your own in that discontented space. I speak this wisdom from experience! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 3. Choose peace over strife — Peace really has nothing to do with how much stuff I have, whether I've paid the bills or am living debt-free. It is not related to how my kids behave or whether I've accomplished anything on my task list. Peace isn't a result of a clean house or a loving husband or what's going on around me. <span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: purple;"> Peace is a fruit of the spirit.</span> So if I'm living a life filled with the love of Christ Jesus, I will find contentment. The closer I am to Him, the more I am bathing in peace. When I sometimes stray, I begin to get an uneasy spirit. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Remember that dictionary definition of content. I think it sounds nice, but I like what Paul says about contentment in God's word. Philippians 4:11-14 is one of my favorites: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="text Phil-4-11" id="en-NIV-29454">I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-NIV-29455"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>I
know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I
have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NIV-29456">I can do all this through him who gives me strength.</span> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i> We all go through periods when things aren't working out in a way we want them to. Whether it's my house selling, homeschooling, ministry work, my lack of -- and need for -- a paying job<i>. All I really need is Him who gives me strength. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i>One of my favorite worships songs lately is Cornerstone by Hillsong United. Let these words sink into your soul:<i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i>My hope is built on nothing less<br />
Than Jesus blood and righteousness<br />
I dare not trust the sweetest frame<br />
But wholly trust in Jesus name<br />
<br />
Christ alone; cornerstone<br />
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love<br />
Through the storm, He is Lord<br />
Lord of all<br />
<br />
When Darkness seems to hide His face<br />
I rest on His unchanging grace<br />
In every high and stormy gale<br />
<span class="ann-annotated" data-id="14484">My anchor holds within the veil</span> </i></span> </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-29731086540444124792014-09-11T22:27:00.000-05:002014-09-11T22:29:55.235-05:00Three simple steps to be the smartest girl in the room<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> OK, that title is a little misleading. This is actually a blog about three ways to get wisdom. Being smart and being wise are two different traits entirely. I know a lot of really smart, academic, intellectual, conversationally stimulating people. But most of them are unwise. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> How could that be, you might ask. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Because God says so is the simple answer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> 1 Corinthians 3:18-19a says, "Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become 'fools' so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So the wise are dummies, and God wants us to be fools. I have to admit... I'm still struggling with a complete understanding of this concept.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But the older I become, the more this comes into focus. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I once thought: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I NEED A DEGREE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I NEED A CAREER</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I NEED A SALARY</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I NEED A BIG HOUSE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I NEED TO LOOK LIKE "HER"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I NEED TO MAKE MORE MONEY</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> and the even more embarassing ones where I subjected friends to what I thought they needed to do. Don't get me started on all the poor, unwise counsel I've doled out over the years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Today, I have two degrees, no career, no salary, a big house (OK, we do live in America, but our family is in the process of downsizing so cut me a little slack!), am content to look just the way I do and well, I still want to make more money. (Just being honest!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> What does God's kind of wisdom look like? Here are three ways you can be a so-called fool by today's standards: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> 1. Pray. Seek a relationship with the Lord. If you haven't yet, dive into the Bible every day. Even if you don't believe it or don't like it. The truth is if you want to oppose Christians, you probably ought to know what they believe. Go right to the source. If you are saved, go deeper in your relationship. Read your Bible more. Pray more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> 2. Find a mentor. Actually a lot of today's standards are beginning to preach this, often based on John Maxwell's books. He's also a Christian. My faith has grown tremendously because of my mentors. Just one word of warning, there can be some Christians who are not exactly looking out for your best interests. (And remember all the horrible advice I've churned out?) Be sure to line up their thoughts with the Bible, and pray to be certain. I've had even well-meaning friends give me some awful advice. Most of what I've learned from mentors wasn't so much from their advice as it was from their example and their encouragement. If you are uncertain of the kind of person your mentor is or they seem to be overly critical, you might want to pray about whether that's a healthy relationship. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> 3. Get involved in Mighty Strong Girls. Oh my! Who saw that coming... what an awful sales pitch! Actually, the magazine that will be revealed on Sunday is all about WISDOM. We are beginning to theme our publications on the new names the girls get in the God Spa. So we will study for 10-13 weeks about what it means to be wise. If any of my female readers out there think they would like to lead a small group, we are looking to plant more Mighty Strong Connections groups in central Illinois. Women who want to come alongside girls to be available as mentors, to love on them, to help guide them to be who they were created to be in Christ Jesus. As a mom, I'm so thankful that my daughter is in one of these groups where she can explore her own identity when it comes to Biblical wisdom of body, soul and spirit. How we treat our minds, deal with our emotions, handle our physical beings and grow spiritually matters very much to God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> In fact, He's begging us to come to Him. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Whoa! That's huge! He has a gift he wants to give to us in heaping portions, and He isn't waiting there with a laundry list of our shortcomings to hold over our heads. Nope, He just wants us to ask. Come and get it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So that's the offer I extend to you. Come and get it. Find out more about Mighty Strong Girls and how you can be a part of or help start a new small group in your home or church. We will be celebrating and selling the new issue of the magazine on WISDOM at 3 p.m. Sunday at Calvary Christian Temple in the Oasis room. Hope to see you there! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-35935014168671223602014-09-09T12:43:00.000-05:002014-09-09T13:29:50.792-05:00It's more than "just" a house: Beginning our Good-bye<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After being strung along for a week by potential buyers of our home, we discovered that the promises of a contract were empty ones. They changed their minds, even after their realtor texted details of their offer. Even after spending three days visiting our home for more than 90 minutes each time. Even after many questions, including some fairly odd requests. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The crumbling of this sale transpired the day after we broke the news to our children that a move was impending. One of them was delighted. The other was devastated. And we spent the evening recalling our favorite memories and reminding ourselves that a house didn't make us a family any more than a community defines us. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Honestly, I was angry and offended after the emotional roller coaster came to a halt this morning. It was rude, inconsiderate and immature. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As I stewed, several friends reminded me that it was more than likely the compassionate hand of God protecting us. There is already an even-better, perfect offer outstanding on our home from a family that knows they will love our home and treasure it as they make new memories here. It came on the third day our house was listed — just after we prayed as a family that the first showing would result in a full-price offer. All we have to do is wait. Wait for His perfect timing and pray that it works out according to His plan. He's already been so gracious to us, so it's easy to have faith — even if it comes with some topsy-turvy anxiousness at times!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was also reminded that while a house is just a building, it's significance really can't be ignored. It has a place on our family timeline. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Four weeks ago when I tore down the kids' artwork and all the encouragement I've kept taped to my walls so that we could "stage" our house, I was reminded of how richly blessed I am. Each "thing" I tore down broke my heart that I had to remove it, but it also restored my faith. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Even though it was hanging there in plain sight day after day, I rarely took the chance to remember. Taking each piece down allowed me to pause and think about some things I should have been thinking about. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">* The giant "You mean the WORLD to me!" poster that Abby made when I was having a down day. She was just 9 at the time and so insightful to recognize my hurt and sadness. Without saying a word, she quietly locked herself in her room and got to work on the infamous poster where the "O" in WORLD was made into the Earth and the "R" is a different shade of blue because she initially forgot to include it. Neither of us noticed. (We aren't great spellers around here!) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">* My reminder to keep dreaming: "Spend at least 15 minutes a day in deliberate thought about something bigger than your to-do list." </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">* A card signed by my colleagues at the last place I worked. The place where I quit without a plan in place but just the desire to follow where God would lead me. Reading their comments about trusting God and chasing bigger plans reminds me that the adventure I was seeking has found me in Mighty Strong Girls and homeschooling. I never would have guessed! In my hardest days (and there are many!), I can be secure in the knowledge that I am doing exactly what I set out to do — pursuing a legacy and not a salary. (I wouldn't complain if God makes a way for the latter though!)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">* A copy of the "Starfish Flinger." </span></span><br />
The Starfish Story<br />
Original Story by: Loren Eisley<br />
One day a
man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something
up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he
asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back
into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t
throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize
there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t
make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked
up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at
the man, he said … “I made a difference for that one.”<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">* A card from my new dear friend Jan Koch (in her trademark red ink) that is simply awesome. She calls me one of the most amazing women she has met, a blessing and a treasure. None are things I think of myself. Everyone deserves a friend who believes in all her dreams and thinks more highly of her than she does! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">* A collage Abby made for me with her favorite Mighty Strong Girls messages that have helped change her life: Love, Princess Warrior, Lovely ladies, Show your inner colors, Wonderful women, You are loved, beYOUtiful, Shine, God made you very special, Graceful girls, Jesus died for you, God is almighty. <br /><br />* A note that came with the first $1,000 donation Mighty Strong Girls received. "Thank you for your positive messages to young girls and for helping them realize who they are in Christ....."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">* A hand-drawn flower from Hannah, one of the first girls attracted to Mighty Strong Girls, with the passage 1 Peter 3:3-4: Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and find clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hannah's mom has since joined the Mighty Strong Girls team. A widow and single mom to four children (three living at home), she is a source of inspiration to me and I'm glad to call her one of my closest friends!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">* An article from Christian Standard called "It's all about the mission," which points out all the things we think wrongly about what makes a good leader. "The best of them tended to be quiet listeners who let other people make most of the decisions. They weren't particularly charismatic. Or funny. They weren't the toughest guys in the pack... They were, on the whole, a little boring." </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What a relief to read this article! I am an introvert, who is awkward at public speaking, slow to process and react, and not funny in the least! But still, there could be a place for me, I remember thinking as I read this. The article goes on to conclude: "It means process and philosophy beat personality. It means the not-super-funny and the not-most-attractive-in-the-room can be most effective. It means character matters more than charisma. It means your personality doesn't have to be larger than life — your vision and your commitment to it do."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />Yes, it's just a house but it's been home to more than our memories. It's held our laughter, our tears, our hopes, our dreams and our inspiration. This house represents change — beautiful transformation that took place in our hearts as a family. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />When we first moved in this house in 2008, we had just made some major life changes. I had recently quit my job at the local newspaper where I had launched a magazine. We were downsizing, incorporating our spending/saving habits into our legacy, and making family our priority. We were "baby Christians." Here, we were challenged, put to pressure and made more beautiful. We became debt-free (except the house), we grew in our faith, our children were both baptized, Dan got severely ill, I quit my job, we made family our priority, we decided to homeschool and my dreams of making a difference in the world were realized with Mighty Strong Girls. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />If it weren't for the sale of our house, I wonder how long I would work to the backdrop of the "inspiration" hanging on my walls but forgotten in my heart. Change, my dear friends, is a GOOD thing. It stirs us. It moves us. It improves us. Sometimes physically moving is the only thing, the only way we can make the transformation the Lord desires for us.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />For this move, I am praying we will once again become debt-free, grow in our faith, incorporate our finances into our legacy, make family our priority and continue to make a difference in the world... one starfish at a time! </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-12919278006659947232014-09-04T21:37:00.002-05:002014-09-04T21:37:31.760-05:00Three things that changed my life<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It amazes me sometimes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> That it took me 40 years to realize a few nuggets that are the key to successful living. It's hard to admit it, but I find myself face palming over my lack of common sense. Probably it's more likely that I know, but I don't really want to live it out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> For years, I've been disappointed in my health, blaming all kinds of circumstances and people for my shortcomings and weaknesses (not eating right and not exercising enough, chiefly) that were exacerbating my medical and physical conditions. Something changed this summer. It was major. It was radical.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> But it was also kind of simple. Crazy simple. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> It started on the inside, and the results are beginning to show on the outside, too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Here are three things I did that transformed my life, in this order. The ordering is kind of important!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> 1. I ACCEPTED ME. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I decided that I was enough for my husband and my children. That they loved me in spite of all my shortcomings. They loved me with the 30 or so extra pounds I was carrying. They loved me despite my headaches and the days I spent in bed because of them. They loved me even when I had major reactions to food and felt miserable. Not only that, but I decided if God could accept me, what was I waiting for? I accepted myself as a child of God -- loved just where I was, flaws, imperfections and all. Because He does!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> It was simple. I looked in the mirror, and I made a choice. I WILL LOVE HER. I won't criticize or condemn. And really, why should I? Nobody else was. God wasn't. My husband has only been totally supportive and loving. He's never criticized me for how I look...ever! In fact, he's done nothing but the opposite. Praising me. Lifting me up. Loving me. Reminding me of how important I am, and loving every thing about how I look. I needed to adopt a perspective like my loving heavenly father and my husband on who I am. So I decided I needed to make it my choice, too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> 2. I TRUSTED GOD. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I decided no matter what happened from that point on, I would trust it to God. He knows me. He knows best. I would hand over all the controls and the steering wheel, acknowledging that there is indeed very little I can control in the grand scheme of things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I also figured that when it came to the changes I knew I needed to make, I wouldn't be able to make them on my own. I would need Him more than ever. He would have to be my source of strength. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Not long after, I saw Carolyn Twietmeyer post about her Isagenix journey -- again. I had already asked her about it in the past, but I was afraid. I didn't want the teen girls who are watching me to think I was looking for "lose weight fast" diet schemes. I didn't want a diet scheme myself. I didn't want a shortcut...been there done that, Weight Watchers and Slim Fast. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> But I was constantly attracted to the message that Carolyn lifted herself up out of poor health to have the energy to raise a huge family using Isagenix products. The feel-good, energy boosting, cleansing, healing, holistic part of her testimony was screaming out to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I wanted REAL change. I wanted to feel good. I wanted to spend fewer days in bed every month. I wanted an end to pain. But I wanted it without taking missteps or shortcuts. Whatever I did, I wanted it to be nutritionally sound, organic and whole. I also didn't want to give up every good thing, because let's face it, God made food and it is GOOD! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> After I had accepted myself and decided I would trust God, I was having a bad day with poor health when Carolyn posted about a 30-day Isagenix cleanse. I had some extra money from mileage reimbursement, and I was desperate. Desperate to be the wife and mother God created me to be. I prayed about it, and I knew in my heart that God was nudging me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> It's been about 70 days, and it's been an incredible journey! I completed the 30-day cleanse with no expectation for weight loss. I simply wanted to feel better. Isagenix exceeded my expectations in ways I am not sure I can ever fully express. I ended up losing 10 pounds the first month and 20.5 inches! I lost another 7 pounds since, and I cannot stop loving myself even more than I did before. I have muscle tone that I haven't seen since my early 20's! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I did my best with the cleanse, but I didn't do everything. And I didn't do it perfectly. That leads me to the last thing I committed to...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> 3. I APPLIED DISCIPLINE. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> About four years ago, I began reading my Bible daily. Little did I know that one decision would transform every aspect of my life. Practicing self discipline in staying in His word has spilled over into every facet of my life. I was establishing a track record with myself for being accountable and reliable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Do I have bad days? Yes, and I KNOW sometimes routine becomes routine with no real impact. I have recently added deliberate morning prayer to my daily routine, and that has helped my heart stay in all things. I will still have bad days, but I know that because I am trusting God (see No. 2), I can forgive myself and get back on track. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Perhaps the strangest thing about Isagenix is drinking meals. It was a hard adjustment for me to make. My jaws wanted to move. I craved the chewing motion, the crunching, the texture of food. But I trusted God and overcame. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> The best part of Isagenix for me is that my gluten intolerance and general digestive problems can be avoided when I KNOW that my body will tolerate the shakes and other food products. And to top it off, I'm getting some of the very best nutrition at every meal, and I don't have to think about what I can eat and then go to great lengths to prepare an inconvenient meal in an already busy schedule. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I drink a shake at one or two meals daily. My family always eats dinner together -- a dinner without processed ingredients or sugar or gluten. It's not too far off from what we ate before, but a lot less cheese and casserole types of dishes. More filling fibers and proteins. It's usually chicken, fish or beef with steamed vegetables, rice or potatoes and fruit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I decided that the cost of not doing this exceeds the price tag of buying Isagenix. Yes, it's expensive, but I am more than worth it! I HAVE to be in the best physical, emotional, mental and spiritual condition to do the things God has called me to do -- be a wife, a mom, a leader with Mighty Strong Girls and simply to be His child. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Isagenix is a nutritionally sound investment in my health. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I never would have known if I hadn't had the courage to try it, to give it my all and trust God. If it weren't for Carolyn sharing, I would still be having more miserable days than good days. I'm so thankful to her, and now I'm preparing to help others enroll so that they can feel the JOY that I have from losing weight and fueling my body with the best food product I have found!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-70456228835432360872014-08-28T07:39:00.000-05:002014-08-28T07:39:02.372-05:00Three ways to show LOVE<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If
God is LOVE, I learn from Him how to display love. If I meditate on how
He first loved me, I realize so much more about love. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
mean, really think about it. If you know even a glimmer of the LOVE of
God, compare that to wordly love. Love that we see in the movies, read
about in books or witness between people in our lives. The love I see
around me is often fake, based on material things and impatient.
Fictional love in movies and books is uncomplicated, contrived, forceful. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">God's LOVE looks so different than that. I realize that even when I was a hot mess, LOVE was patient, kind and gentle.
God wasn't demanding or in my face. He also never left me, even when I
left Him. He didn't dwell on my past mistakes. He forgave and forgot. He went out of His way to
be kind to me, allowing me to understand my identity and be the person
He created and even to serve Him in ways that bring joy to me. He even
sent His son to die for me. That's sacrificial and complete and mysterious and amazing!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, if we strive
to show LOVE to others, we share with them the LOVE that God gave us
personally. Here are three ways based on my personal knowledge of God to
shower LOVE on each other: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.
Be patient. That means we can't expect immediate results from our love
of others. We can't throw a fit when we don't get our way in love. Are
we even supposed to "get our way" when it comes to love? We need to set
down our expectations. We need to put others above ourselves, even when
they don't deserve it. Remember, God didn't rush you into a decision to
follow Him, and we would be wise not to rush others into .... well,
anything at all. Trust God when your intentions seem to be falling
flat. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2.
Be kind. Often when we are called to LOVE someone in Christian ways,
it's someone who is hard to love. LOVE them anyway. Go out of your way
to show kindness. Find out their love language (there are five: acts of
service, words of affirmation, receiving gifts, quality time and
physical touch) and use them to remind them that they are worthy of
LOVE. Do this even when they don't deserve it. Do this especially when
they are hard to love. That's the LOVE of our Father, who loves us even in our sin, even when we don't deserve His kindness. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3.
Be gentle. Don't remind others constantly of the reasons they are a hot
mess. Don't point out their sins, their stumblings, their mistakes
especially when they never asked you to play this role in their lives.
Simply point them to Jesus, and let Him do the judging. Think about it: Did God reveal your sins to you BEFORE you were in a relationship with
Him? Of course He didn't. Don't be the judge and jury for anyone, unless of course they have asked you to help them with their sins. A gentle love encourages and lifts up. It doesn't tear down and hate. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">All
of these have one thing in common: God. Submit to Him. Submission is
not the negative, miserable, forceful thing our world tries to teach us
it is. Submitting requires wisdom and grace. It's hard, but it's so
worth it. Submission to God puts Him in control. When we trust Him, we
are empowered to be the expression of LOVE He wants to reflect of
Himself in our world. It's a beautiful thing. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally,
read 1 Corinthians 13. But each time you see the word "love,"
substitute God in its place. This is a little exercise my friend Jan
Koch does with the Mighty Strong Girls spa. It's pretty powerful. Get
your Bible, and read it aloud. It will remind you of how wonderful,
beautiful and amazing the LOVE of God is, and who doesn't need that
reminder?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-82968763145548531862014-08-26T05:09:00.000-05:002014-08-26T05:09:33.336-05:00Gluten....it's gotta go!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So it seems after an eight-week gluten-free trial earlier this year, this little protein that shows up most commonly in wheat is the culprit that has been wreaking havoc on my gut for the last nine years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> GLUTEN. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The very thing I scoffed at years ago. The very thing I was so thankful wasn't "my problem" is very much my problem. Ha! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I didn't want it to be my problem because I didn't want to give up bread, pancakes, cookies, brownies, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Countless emergency room visits and (pardon the TMI here) horrendous, excruciating painful gas left me doubled over in pain for days -- strung together for weeks of misery. Sometimes I couldn't get out of bed the pain was so bad!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> This gluten-free thing all started when I found a study of 275 or so endometriosis patients who did a gluten-free diet for 12 months. After a year, 75 percent of them were nearly pain free! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> That's all I needed to hear. Early this year, when discussing my options once again with my doctor, I was determined to avoid surgery and drastic treatments for endometriosis -- mostly because it just keeps coming back, even after surgery. If I couldn't be pain-free with surgery, what was the point? I wanted a permanent solution. I craved long-lasting healing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So I cut out all gluten from my diet for four weeks, which turned into six for safe measure and then eight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I certainly felt no different after that time, so when I was out one weekend working on Mighty Strong Girls interviews on the road, I began eating gluten again. A big Arby's roast beef sandwich for lunch and then Avanti's -- pasta and bread -- for dinner. Two days later, I thought I was dying. It was pretty bad. Nausea, sweating, pain in the entire abdomen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> That's when it occurred to me that gluten may or may not lessen my endometriosis symptoms, but it certainly could be the culprit for the undiagnosed pain I had experienced for years in my upper abdomen. Tests were all inclusive. Not really a gall bladder problem. No ulcers. No scarring from reflux, but that's what they ended up saying I was suffering from -- acid reflux. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Again with the TMI, I had awful, embarrassing, painful and sometimes stinky gas. I wasn't sure what it was related to, though my doctor said it can be a symptom of endo. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It's been six months since my trial, and going gluten-free has changed my life! I feel so much better. I rarely have gas, and when I do, it's not painful. No more stomach problems and pains, and severely lessened pain related to endometriosis. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The key to determining my sensitivity to gluten was reintroducing it, which I'm not sure I would recommend! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I'm sharing this because more and more people are going on gluten-free diets. Not because it's a weight-loss thing (it's not!) but because gluten is the result of food that has been altered over the years. Like so much of our diet, it's processed. It's not the natural state of wheat. It's unnatural. And it's likely the reason for lots of illnesses, including those that affect the brain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The good news is that there are now lots of gluten-free products available in almost every supermarket. I can still eat all the bread products I want, which may or may not be a good thing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I've read tons of articles on gluten, but I found this one fairly easy, straight-forward and all-encompassing. I highly recommend anyone who has a digestive, brain or inflammation type of illness read it, go on a gluten-free trial and see for yourself if you don't experience major freedom in your own health! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /><a href="http://authoritynutrition.com/6-shocking-reasons-why-gluten-is-bad/">http://authoritynutrition.com/6-shocking-reasons-why-gluten-is-bad/</a> Be sure to also read the linked article at the end!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-41243017280958239632014-07-31T16:12:00.000-05:002014-07-31T16:12:53.533-05:00Why I gave up coffee<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I started a new journey to better health about six months ago after another emotional meeting with my physician, but I hesitated to write about it as I began because I wasn't exactly sure about what I was doing and whether it was "right." <br /><br />What I've learned in this short time frame is significant, but mostly I realized it was time to start looking at issues so objectively. The reality is if I want to keep drinking coffee, I can find dozens of articles with claims supporting the benefits of coffee. I needed to find and do what was best for me, and I needed to get off the fence about some issues that could be beneficial to my health and extend myself grace on others. <br /><br />As such, many women I know are struggling for answers to complicated and painful health issues. I hope by writing about what has worked for me, it might be of use to someone! But mostly, I think we need to recognize that not everyone's body is the same. Our struggles certainly aren't the same, but our need for better health, better nutrition and inspiration is the tie that binds us! I hope to provide good, accurate information to fulfill all three of those needs. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />The very first step I took long before I made any other decisions was prompted by some studies my husband was reading about coffee -- one of my favorite beverages. Actually, it was all I drank outside of water. <br /><br />But then Dan discovered coffee was specifically linked to endometriosis, the most debilitating of my conditions that had me at the end of my rope and desperate for anything that would help me avoid surgery. <br /><br />I'm not one to take someone's word for it (I blame the reporter in me...pray for my husband!), so I did some digging of my own. Here's what I found:<br /><br />According to researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, women who have two or more cups of caffeinated coffee (or four cans of cola) per day were found to be twice as likely to develop endometriosis as other women.<br /><br />Not only that, by caffeine was linked to worsening fibromyalgia symptoms by interrupting healthy sleep patterns (I had recently been suffering from insomnia) which is a big factor in minimizing the painful symptoms of fibromyalia, according to a Norwegian study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.<br /><br />Why stop there? Web MD says if used excessively, caffeine can be too stimulating and cause anxiety, sleep problems, muscle twitching, or abdominal pain. I have suffered from anxiety and problems caused from it since I was a child. I was recently caught in sleeplessness that was doing a number on my mind, not to mention my body. And I've suffered from abdominal pain since giving birth to my second child.<br /><br />It seemed rather conclusive. Coffee was not my friend, even though I am rather fond of it! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />Initially I switched to very diluted green tea, which I noticed right off the bat leaves a much thicker, harder to remove residue in my coffee pot. It made me a bit concerned about what it was doing to my insides, and I've never fully researched the benefits of green tea. I've only heard people say that green tea is "good for you." I have no idea if that's true. Eventually I got off the green tea, but I'll write about that later. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The one health problem I worried about most in giving up coffee was my migraines, which were leaving me in bed at least one and up to three days a month. With a migraine, I cannot read, talk or even watch television. Not exactly how I want to spend my time. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I had always assumed that coffee was "good" for my headaches. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">According to Web MD, that is true. Caffeine is a common ingredient in many prescription and over-the-counter headache medications. Caffeine additives make pain relievers 40 percent more effective in treating headaches. Caffeine also helps the body absorb headache drugs more quickly, bringing faster relief. By adding caffeine and, in turn, taking less medication, you can reduce the risk for potential side effects and possible drug addiction.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But what I learned recently was that even though I no longer drink caffeine, it still works quite effectively if I have a headache. In fact, it may work better. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I had a migraine just a few weeks ago, after giving up all caffeine and making lots of other changes. Ibuprofen </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">wasn't working, and I didn't have my migraine medicine with me. I was on my way to a date night with my husband to see a Cardinals game, and I really, really did not want a migraine to interfere. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We stopped at a gas station and I bought a 12-ounce can of Coke. I drank it fast with a second dose of ibuprofen. Since I never drink caffeine, I think it definitely made the caffeine more effective. Headache was gone within minutes! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I did have a three-day headache when I stopped drinking green tea, and it was a pretty rough three days, but I combined it with a 30-day cleanse. By day four of the cleanse, I felt so much better. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">More on the cleanse coming up in another blog post....</span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-10462809187482665692014-07-21T10:54:00.001-05:002014-07-21T10:54:11.595-05:00We are overcomers!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A few days ago, my super brave, super awesome cousin Anne posted something raw and authentic on Facebook that made me think about how I see myself and how women see and treat their bodies. <br /><br />She agreed to let me share what she had to say: </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i> Why am I so nervous to post this…<br /> I have a laziness problem and I know it.<br /> Let me start by stating what I want. <br /> My objective is…to be healthier in every way. I want to get into shape by becoming more active, eating less and more healthy, and to stop pretending that I can change tomorrow when I need to change immediately. I have plenty of family history to prove that I’ll end up with diabetes (or something worse) much sooner than I realize and I have to stop kidding myself that I can do it alone. How would I really like to tackle this? I’d be able to afford a fat farm and disappear for 3-6 months only to emerge as I should be and no one would have to tell me I look great or ask me how I’m doing along the way. I know that’s not how it works, but I have this weird problem with being complemented when I don’t think I should be. I put myself in this situation, and I don’t want anyone asking me if I’ve lost weight. I want to get healthy in my own little bubble and just go about business without having any focus placed on me. That being said… <br /> This is a way for me to admit to myself that I have to stop pretending I can motivate myself on my own and that things are not going to change by ignoring the situation. I’m not stupid. I know what and how I’m supposed to get in shape, but I have a serious motivation problem and I need help. I’ve started all kinds of diets and workouts, and I’ve tried relying on people to provide accountability before but something always happens and I (and those trying to motivate me) give up. Please spare me the lecture about how this decision has to come solely from me (or don’t), but I when I was active I was being coached and yelled at all along the way and rarely did anything just because I wanted to do it. Cross-country, track, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading…about the only thing I actually tried to work on outside of actual practice was choir and that didn’t require me to put down the cheeseburger. <br /> So, I figured I would crowd-source my accountability. Maybe if I opened up about my problems to Facebook, then I could find a number of people that would be willing to remind me not to be lazy on a daily basis. I need a coach, and I can’t afford a live-in trainer. I even considered posting BEFORE pictures and listing my statistics in this post, but I’m WAY too scared to do it because it’s bad. I mean, REAL BAD. I’m glad I missed my 15 year high school reunion and I’m scared to go to my husband’s 20 year reunion in 2 weeks because all I can think about is his classmates going, “Why is he with HER?” Anyways, I’ll end with this. This is not an attempt to fat-shame myself into losing weight. If you’re happy with yourself, then more power to you. I am not happy and therefore, need to change. Who wants to help?<br /> Eek! I'm so nervous to hit the post button.</i></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I so resonate with Anne's words! I don't talk about it, because <br /> 1. I hate the weight but worse, I hate how the extra weight makes me feel. I FEEL unhealthy. I don't have the energy to do the things I need to do. Migraines keep me in bed three days a month. That's ridiculous! Life is to dang short! Body aches and pains, sinus issues, etc., etc. <br /> 2. My husband says I'm hot like every day. I think he really means it. And I'm jealous that he is able to love me when I think I'm unlovable. I KNOW to do anything successfully I need to love myself first. Without that, it's not going to work. And yet, telling an overweight woman to be happy when she's clearly not is like picking up Legos while my kids are in the middle of building a replica of Hogwarts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> 3. We live in a world that values perfection. It's hard enough to live with a problem that shows itself every time you put on a bathing suit, or a pair of jeans, or heck, even a parka, but then when you stumble, it's harder to pick yourself up and get back in the game. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But I'm going to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Anne and anyone else who wants to join us. I'm going to be real, like really real. So it could get ugly. It will probably be scary. It might be sad. It most definitely could get hilarious. I hope. Won't you please join us, recruit more and come be part of a new thing -- women helping women, women helping their daughters or their mothers to be overcomers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I don't just want to tackle the weighty issue of size but really the whole issue of who I am that encompasses how I feel, think, operate, move and more. Here it is again...it's the whole health thing, the holistic journey. I'm ready! Let's go!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-91094868495319884852014-07-15T17:49:00.000-05:002014-07-15T17:49:38.519-05:00Chasing a gold standard<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I will never forget the time my husband spilled breast milk on the kitchen counter. Ever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Because I cried. And it wasn't just because of my hormones. Being a first-time mom was the most stressful thing that ever happened to me. Despite the plethora of books I had read, classes I had taken and the two college degrees I had, I was fully unprepared. Entirely. Completely. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> There was one really good thing I knew I could give my daughter, and that was breast milk. I had done my research, and I knew this was the gold standard in baby nutrition. Good for the body and for the brain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I don't know what it was (hmmmm....I don't know, possibly the fact that I was stressed out as a new mom!) but my breast milk production was awful. After the first three months, it was inadequate, and I had to supplement. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Still, I persisted. I pumped a ridiculous three times a day at work, plus one side on the drive there and one on the drive home. I took supplements, ate oatmeal and drank tons of water. All this for about four to six total ounces daily. A baby this age takes about 30-40 ounces in a 24-hour period. Looking back, I think I must have been insane to invest all that work for so little. But I was trying to make the best decision with the information I had available to me. I wanted to do what was best for my baby.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> And that's why I cried when my husband dumped over the milk. It represented a huge investment. It was liquid gold all over the counter top that was no unusable! I was crushed! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I've been thinking, studying and praying a lot about nutrition lately. I'm hardly an expert, but for some reason when this story came to mind, it reminded me that the best stuff for us isn't always the easiest stuff to come by! We have to work at it, and even then, we have to study and learn more about it. I had to understand how to adapt my diet to better provide for my baby. I wasn't equipped with this knowledge. It was a process of learning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We have simplified food growth to the point where it's all about volume and yield. What was done with the intentions of feeding more with less available space hasn't come with complications, criticisms, controversy and even corruption. What has become less common is man planting seeds and raising his own food or at the very least, knowing exactly where his food came from and how it was grown, processed and packaged. We have sacrificed nurturing in lieu of "faster" and "more." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> And that's the so-called "natural" food we raise -- produce, meats and poultry, and dairy. Then there's all the fast-food nonsense and packaged goodies, filled with every kind of poison imaginable. Sugar, salt, artificial colors and flavors. Additives intended for yoga mats, additives that happen to be highly addictive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I have spent most of my life eating healthy — comparatively. You know, compared to the majority of people. Not that I like to be in the habit of comparisons, but that's what I was doing. And I felt good about it. Therein lies the BIG PROBLEM with comparisons. Just because I was eating good compared to a statistic did not mean I was eating good for me. I still bought crappy food into my house "for the kids" and then ate it when I knew I shouldn't. I still ate way out of proportion, and I still ate many packaged foods despite homemade dinners every night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> However, I've been learning lately that is is not good enough. I know better, and I can do better. I HAVE to do better. My body is unhappy; it's raging against the poor quality food I've been dumping in it the last four decades. I've fought "intestinal issues" that cannot firmly be diagnosed for seven years. I have raging endometriosis, migraines, sinus issues and fibromyaligia. The fact that I can even operate most days is miraculous. I've been a walking, talking emotional/mental/spiritual/physical time bomb. I needed a wake-up call. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I'm finally listening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I want the spilled milk. I want the good stuff. I want the gold standard of nutrition that fosters mental clarity, stabilizes emotional moodiness, improves my physical well-being and opens me up spiritually. I don't know exactly what that is, so I'm starting with what I do know, which is a lot. I will do the best I can with what I know, committing myself to learning more as I go and forgiving myself for messing up along the way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I'm not an expert. I don't understand everything there is to food. Heck, just when I think I know something, I hear a report that contradicts my knowledge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> But I won't be discouraged by that. I will persist. I will grow some of what I can, buy what I know to be the best when I can afford it, eat what's best for me as often as I can and then pray that God will meet me there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It's not a destination. It's a journey of whole health. I will need grace. I will need encouragement. I will need wisdom. Therefore, I will need Jesus. So He will be right at the heart of this new thing. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-44135721767475273962014-07-10T22:13:00.002-05:002014-07-10T22:31:34.406-05:00Equipping the called<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We posted a few photos from one of our Mighty Strong Girls board events on Facebook, and immediately we had requests from women who wanted to be part of it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Because it looked fun? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Because we were enjoying each other's company? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I'm not sure. I hope they could see that Christ was at the center. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> When we meet, often we pray, worship and praise the Lord together. But we also have fun and truly deeply love one another. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It kind of reminds me of a sorority, except that I know virtually nothing about sororities. It's just that from the outside, it looks like a blast. We all have a sense of belonging, and a common identity. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It's funny, I always criticized my college boyfriend for joining a fraternity, saying he was essentially buying his friends. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Perhaps I was jealous.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I've never felt like I make friends easily. Does anyone? I feel like I've been betrayed more times than not and made friends with someone just in time for us to be separated geographically. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I didn't feel like I fit in during my high school years. Most of my friends partied and slept around, even cheating on their boyfriends. I felt lonely and isolated. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I met my best friends in college, but I made so many bad choices then that I'm not sure many would recognize me now. I was the wild party girl. OK, I wasn't that wild, but I did lots of drinking and made many mistakes. Friendships there come naturally, especially over shared sin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> What I've struggled the most with is adult friendships, which have always seemed so forced and fake. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Until now. Until Mighty Strong Girls. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> In a way, the friendships in Mighty Strong Girls are random, much like the members in a sorority. In a way, they aren't random at all. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I didn't choose these women. Not a single one of them. And truth be told, if I were picking women for the board of Mighty Strong Girls, I am not entirely sure they would make my lineup. I hope that doesn't offend them, because I'm almost certain none of them expected God's vision for this ministry to come through me. Yet each of us was called to be a part of Mighty Strong Girls in a strong way by the Lord. We are an unlikely, unsuspecting group of mismatched misfits. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> That's why we are all so perfect together. Maybe you've heard the saying that God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. That's the process we are in right now.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> And that's the mystery and glory of God's great plan. He created each one of us unique, and He made us each with a purpose. A purpose that was predetermined. He knows. That's why this very random group came together. He had already called each of us to do a specific thing. As His vision became clear, and each of these women learned about or met me, God showed us His plans. He united us. He picked us. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Leaning on Him and stretching our faith isn't always easy. It isn't always fun. Every now and then a new mom or girl tries to be part of it and doesn't stay long, because it takes discipline, humility and authenticity. All of those are difficult, and the truth is, it took me most of my life to begin to understand and practice these three things. I'm still struggling with them! But with God's help, it's been so rewarding. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I believe another part of His great plan is to show us how to handle all the complications of female friendship so that we can more effectively inspire and educate our target audience we serve: girls 12-20. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> He is equipping the called. Sometimes it feels like He's doing it with fire or pressure, but other times, it's freeing to know we can grow in trust and faith with Christ at the center. We know we'll never be perfect, but we are inspired to keep trying. We know He's transforming us into gold and diamonds -- just like He wants to do for all of His chosen princesses. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> If you are interested in starting a Mighty Strong Connections group or hosting one, let us know. We'd be glad to help, and our curriculum is FREE on our website at <a href="http://www.mightystronggirls.com./">www.mightystronggirls.com.</a> </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-41967308648092357792014-07-09T08:06:00.000-05:002014-07-09T08:06:04.382-05:00Answering the call to pray<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> God has really been speaking to me lately about prayer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> If you are skeptical that God actually speaks to people, be reassured that when we take the time to draw close to Him, He absolutely does! But it requires a committed relationship, and as you grow closer, His faithfulness is absolutely breathtaking. Not long ago, I believed that ordinary people did not hear from God, but prayer was the breakthrough that increased my faith. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I have always cherished prayer. It's not just a "thing" I do now and then but an open pattern of communication between me and the Lord. Lately, He's been bringing a new message about prayer to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <i> Get on your knees. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i> Stay in prayer until you have peace. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i> Rest in me.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The sermons at church, my daily Bible reading and just about everything I come across is used by God to deliver the message to me that He wants me to REST in the power of prayer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> As if that wasn't enough, one my prayer partners/intercessors sends these quotes to me with no knowledge of the things God is speaking to me: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> "I have so much to do that I spend several hours in prayer before I am able to do it." ~ </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">John Wesley</span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> "Prayer is the greatest power that God has put into the hands for service -- at least I find it so. But, the dynamic lies that way to advance the kingdom." ~ </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mary Slessor</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So I decide that in addition to my daily Bible and devotion readings in the morning, I need to increase my prayer. My goal is 30 minutes every morning, and I don't exactly set a watch. I simply pray over every person who is on my heart and mind. And to make sure I'm not overlooking anything, I began writing down the people/issues I am praying over and at least some of my prayer in a journal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It may sound like a lot of work, but it's not! I've done this on and off before, but for the first time, I have a dedicated prayer journal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> And get this. I'm on day three, and He is answering prayers! It's absolutely amazing to see Him at work so mightily. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Here's one example: On day one, I prayed for someone to help me with Mighty Strong Girls work, specifically managing the blog, and on day two, a woman emailed me about this very subject! I asked her, and she (in prayer) accepted! <br /> I know not every prayer is going to be answered yes, and some are much more complicated than that. In fact, the prayers I have for Mighty Strong Girls aren't always yes/no prayers. Our whole board and a team of prayer warriors is praying daily for discernment, timing, favor, justice and wisdom over this ministry. Yes, we believe God answers our prayers. Of course the blog would keep on going without a manager, but God has a purpose and a plan that involves how He's called me and Sarah, and because we both sought Him, His purposes can be fulfilled and the blog will be that much better. Simply because we said yes to prayer. We'd love it if you would join the Mighty Strong Girls team in prayers...we covet prayer!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I can also -- in just three days -- see signs of God's fingerprints in relationships, signs that He wants to heal not just physical ailments but also our brokenness. In fact, I'm praying specifically for my children to become more respectful. My daughter was put to the test yesterday, and more prayers were answered!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> If you enjoy prayer, I invite you to meet me here and pray with me on the blog. If you have a prayer request, leave it in the comments, and I'll add it to my list. A 30-minute investment in prayer can produce so much fruit in our lives! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Here is an excerpt from my written prayer this morning:<br /> <i>Lord, your answer to prayer is fueling my faith and lighting it on fire! What a blessing...I praise you, the author and perfecter of life and love. Help strengthen me for your mission to bring depression and other tough issues to light -- boldly with truth and for the sake of the gospel. Give me a heart that meditates on gladness, goodness, and gratitude. Thank you for your faithfulness and all the good things you give us to meditate on for your glory! Keep my eyes ahead -- not to the left or right -- but firmly fixed on Jesus and what you're calling me to do. Amen. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Colossians 4:2</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-32771827837788884482014-07-07T09:55:00.000-05:002014-07-07T09:55:44.754-05:00Confessing my survival mode<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I have a confession. I am apparently a tad bit fearful of change. Anxious. It makes me nervous. My palms are sweating as I begin to think about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The worst part is admitting this. Confession of this sort is kind of a big deal, and I'd rather hold onto this little shameful secret. I live most of my life pretending I'm carefree, and well, that's a lie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> So I'm admitting to you today that I am uptight. And I don't like change. Strange, huh? From a woman who puts together a one-woman mission trip to Africa in four weeks? I do LIKE adventures and though I do struggle sometimes, I am pretty decent at being obedient. Unfortunately, neither of those facts changes the truth that I have some real struggle with change. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It's important for me to work through these feelings right now because we are getting ready to list our home for sale. It's a process that started over a year ago when the I sensed God was urging me to, "Get ready for a move." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> After joining a new church earlier this year, I thought for sure God's message was just about moving to a new church. That process was painful, difficult and challenging. God and I wrestled through emotions and my disobedience as I wanted so much to hold on to something God wanted me to let go of. Finally, after hearing clearly where God wanted me and my family to worship, I started getting content. I could ease into this. I was just getting comfortable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Until our family was hit with a financial reality check. The little pie chart that Dave Ramsey uses for financial budgets was off-balance. We were spending too much of our income (er, uh, my husband's income) on housing. Two years of me with virtually no income had caught up with our family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It was time to reassess God's message. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Fortunately it was an easy decision to make. We NEED to move. We aren't living practically. We aren't living obediently. And we aren't able to do all the other things God is calling us to do with so much of our monthly income wrapped up in a mortgage payment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The hard part is the preparation. Getting the house ready when one room is still in the process of renovation is a frustrating proposition. And our schedules are nightmares. But little by little, we are making strides, and hopefully in two or three weeks, there will be a for-sale sign up in our front yard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> As we walk through these steps, it occurs to me that I may be giving up more than just a home. I went from no worries to amped up anxiety like a car revving an engine. We don't need to live in our small community because I am homeschooling. That will help us find the best house for our budget. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> This means more changes than just our dwelling. It may mean a new community. It may mean giving up the church I just joined that I love so much. It will mean new neighbors and friends, and possibly living an hour away from the best friends I've ever had in my entire life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> And, well, (GULP) that kind of change feels uncomfortable. It makes me think I should worry just a little. Even though I know I shouldn't. Even though I know that I should and I do trust God entirely. Even though I know it will all work out for our good and His glory. It doesn't stop my flesh from feeling fleshly things....like the stress of change. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Yes, I know that I know about the spiritual stuff. I know this is where I get to CHOOSE to have peace. But I thought you should know that even though I know, and even though it's the freedom I am privileged to experience because of the cross, I still must take it up with God daily. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Every day, I have to start with a prayer. I call it my survival mode. It's how I will make it from here to there. It's how I get from despair to joy and from chaos to peace. And sometimes, truth be told, I am in survival mode all day long, calling on God and drawing near because the human part of me still wants to freak out about the possibilities of the impending changes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I needed to out myself, because it seems my family is virtually ready to do it anyway. They know I worry, as my mother is a worrier and her mother before her. Oddly enough, the sermons at my church have been focused on the sin of anxiety. So I'm dealing with it. I'm keenly aware, and I've got my eyes fixed upon Jesus, who heals and restores. He is my ultimate survival mode. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-72618664403517791242014-07-01T07:33:00.000-05:002014-07-01T07:33:34.472-05:00Her healing was complete in Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I have discovered over the years that while I sometimes feel like the queen of “TMI” (too much information), it is often my fear of talking about life in real ways that isolates me and keeps me from receiving all God wants for me. <br /> Not only that, but it separates me from others instead of uniting us. Because our stories are the explanations for why we stumble, the reasons we sometimes succeed, and why we may appear the way we do to others around us. <br /> Until we understand what motivates another human being, we cannot be united. <br /> It is time, if there ever was another, to be authentic, genuine and transparent. That is the heart of Mighty Strong Girls —to shed light on all things the enemy would have us keep hidden shamefully in the dark. <br /> So here’s a couple reveal-all truths about me: I have five plantar warts on my feet — two on one foot and three on another. Not that big of a deal, you may think. They have been there since my last pregnancy — 10 years ago! They have been frozen twice at my dermatologist‘s office, and I have tried every medical and alternative treatment at my disposal to no avail. In the meantime, both of my children have gotten the virus and developed warts that were easily treated and cured. I sooooo want a pedicure, but I’m plagued by embarrassment and shame. <br /> Here’s the second TMI: I struggle frequently with severe, sometimes debilitating pain caused by endometriosis, a disorder of migrating ovarian tissue that —in my case — has attached itself to my bowels and other organs. I find myself often clenching my teeth through the pain, fearful of lashing out at others around me as it takes every bit of emotional energy and mental strength — not to mention the grace of God and a plethora of prayers — to prevent the “outer me” from being a reflection of the turmoil and angst I feel on my inside. <br /> When there is something about your body that seems odd, pain-filled, unusual or untreatable, it begins to transform how you feel about yourself. A few warts can make a middle-aged mom quite self-conscious; the pain of my disorder can make me feel all-around ugly. <br /> It makes me identify just a little with the unnamed sick woman in the Bible. She had been bleeding for 12 years. She was suffering, and doctors could do nothing, as her condition grew worse instead of better. <br /> Do you know anyone who has been through such a trial? Have you? I cannot fathom her fear and pain, but in her faith, she sought out a different type of healing. <br /> I do not think it was a desperate manuveur, though I imagine her life was lived in a state of desperation. She had heard the stories of Jesus — this Son of God, Son of Man who performed miracles, who was healing the sick and lame, exorcising demons and walking on water. <br /> She must have known without a shadow of a doubt that He was capable of doing what no mere human could and stop the bleeding once and for all. It probably took an extraordinary effort in those days to get close the Him, as crowds of thousands followed Him everywhere He went. <br /> She did not have a friend in His ministry or influential contacts (I imagine she was lonely, as often those with long-term medical issues are rejected and discarded by society at large), so she would have to take her bleeding, aching body and make her way to Him. She was not planning a face-to-face meeting; she probably did not feel worthy of taking up any of Jesus’ precious time, as I imagine most everyone else didn‘t treat her as valuable so even in her faith, she likely doubted He would either! </span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn7Z2UO-VJJN4LoDvkLIUpzGFO96g3UQAp5keXlnwNCcQvaTEr03OJuSMfbTZh5AF2L4nbaLMhj47NLLeCwx-g7zxIVRHM-3Tw9RplLlec_a79VpSVrr1_PMJx3ARbf_WTAdCPfiCCu-x/s1600/sickwoman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn7Z2UO-VJJN4LoDvkLIUpzGFO96g3UQAp5keXlnwNCcQvaTEr03OJuSMfbTZh5AF2L4nbaLMhj47NLLeCwx-g7zxIVRHM-3Tw9RplLlec_a79VpSVrr1_PMJx3ARbf_WTAdCPfiCCu-x/s1600/sickwoman.jpg" height="529" width="640" /></a> Still, she thought to herself that all she really needed was to touch the hem of his cloak. So she pressed in. She pressed in to the crowds and pressed in to get close enough, and she reached out. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> The bleeding stopped and instantly the sick woman was no longer defined by the malfunctioning body she lived inside. The chains were broken; she was free. It must have felt absolutely indescribably incredible. But this was not a feeling exclusive to her. Just as instantly as she touched the fabric on Jesus‘s cloak, He felt her healing, too.<br /> Can you imagine? Our healing is not something we alone feel. It is not an isolated celebration. Not only does the Lord know when we are healed, he feels and experiences it alongside us! Isn’t that exciting!<br /> Jesus knew His power had been utilized even in the midst of a sea of bodies bumping and knocking into Him like waves. Even the bewildered disciples asked Him how He could single out one person touching Him in the wild crowd. But Jesus wants to acknowledge her, not because He does not know. He simply is inviting her to share her testimony. So He waits. <br /> Finally the woman — now defined by her wholeness and not her unhealthiness — acknowledges, fearful of God, trembling at the feet of Jesus and confessing that it was her. She is a woman who knew the fear of God. She is aware of his almighty power, that He is God of the universe who can do great and wonderful things. <br /> She had been shunned and dismissed — the kind of patient who keeps relentlessly pursuing medical care for the same symptoms. Doctors were probably patient initially, <br />determined to find a cure, to get to the bottom of her mysterious bleeding. But after 12 years, I wonder how many of those experts remained resolute in finding a cause for her <br />hurting. Who, I wonder, remained by her side at all for all those years as her health continued on a downward spiral? <br /> She schemed and succeeded. She seized the wonderful power of God through the vessel of Jesus and His healing touch. Now Jesus wanted her to share what she had done. In fact, Luke’s version of the story says she tells her story “in the presence of all the people.” <br /> Don’t you think that’s why He asked, so that she would share her testimony of her wholistic healing? It wasn’t just about the physical. I believe Jesus wanted her to understand the whole healing that had taken place just then — emotionally, she now knew true love; mentally, she was freed from the torment of physical pain and the sadness of social isolation; and spiritually, she had no doubt of her Savior, as she entered a personal, intimate relationship with the Son of God. <br /> Jesus wanted her to verbalize her story — not for His sake. For the crowd to hear, for her to know, for you to understand the mysterious, amazing power of God and what He desires to do in our lives because of His great love for us when we simply fear him and have faith. <br /> “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering,” Jesus says to the woman in Mark 5:34. <br /> His healing starts with trust and faith. To open myself up for physical healing through expert care, I must connect with the master Healer spiritually, to be available for the miraculous, to trust in a healing power not entirely available in my physician’s office. <br /> To fully heal means I must be willing to change, open to something radical, much like the woman who had seen all the doctors and done all the “normal” things. I must also be open to sharing, willing to tell others, available to testify to the power of Jesus. <br /> My Savior desires for me to be authentic, honest, real, transparent and available to share His truth. This is what heals, but it is also what unites. It is what bonds us and saves us. <br /> We invite you, dear readers and sisters in Christ, to open your mind and heart to the stories and ideas as you take a journey on with Mighty Strong Girls to transform. <br /> The first step to change begins on the inside; it is a LIFELONG ENDEAVOR with everlasting consequences.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Mighty Strong Girls is evolving — now filled with more girls' stories, more advice from girls to girls, a FREE small group study guide, and growth opportunities and challenges in wholistic health. You can now buy a copy online at <a href="http://mightystronggirls.com/the-magazine.html">http://mightystronggirls.com/the-magazine.html</a></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-34799663003211002042014-06-17T10:21:00.000-05:002014-06-17T10:26:37.772-05:00God's ways don't always mirror ours<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />This morning I woke up before 5 a.m. If you know me, this is highly suspect! I am NOT a morning person. I'm more likely to stay up until well after midnight writing, editing or reading than I am to get up before 6 a.m. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The sheets were freshly washed, cool and smelled so inviting. I didn't want to get out of bed. But I felt rather rested and had a lot to do. But just so I could prolong the cozy state I was in a little more, I decided to spend some time meditating. Except I didn't have a verse I felt compelled to meditate on, so I opened up my email and pulled up today's devotion from Anne Graham Lotz. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1402929565864_83082">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1402929565864_83081">Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Psalm 37:5, NKJV</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What perfect words for the moment, I thought, as I meditated. It eventually brought me to a prayer about my husband's back, which he had recently injured and was causing him great pain. I prayed that he would commit the healing not to pills or heating pads but to the master Healer. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In typical God fashion, He continued to bring this verse to mind all morning. This time not in a prayer of things I want Him to do but as a celebration of what He's already done. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On Saturday, we held our first official fundraiser for Mighty Strong Girls. Some might say it was a flop. We raised $388. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But we had a space donated to us, a full set of amazing decorations loaned to us and a sponsor who paid for the meal. Part of the intent that God put on our heart for the fundraiser was to bring fathers into the fold of Mighty Strong Girls — to share our mission with them and to encourage their vital roles in raising up Mighty Strong Girls. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So despite lackluster ticket sales, we were reminded to do what we had from the beginning. Give it to the Lord and trust Him. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's no coincidence that the verse doesn't say trust the Lord and then commit your ways to Him. Trusting in Him requires an act of faith FIRST, and so we commit to what we cannot see. His ways. They aren't our ways. They are mysterious and unlike the world's ways, and they always require an act of faith! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If I'm totally honest, I must admit the verse was a reminder of my own heart. I dislike holding events. They are time-consuming, expensive, difficult, draining, complicated. There are always last-minute problems. Always. On the day before and the day of the event, volunteers have more questions than you have time for, someone inevitably fails to come through on a commitment and there's some catastrophe. And this is more than enough reason for me to despise holding events. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But when God called me to do Mighty Strong Girls, it wasn't so that I could do ONLY the things I wanted to do, do well and loved. Where could He possibly refine me if I didn't do the hard stuff? How could I possibly grow to love people like He loves them if I didn't work through the difficult situations alongside them so that we could see His glory together? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Committing my ways to Him means knowing that His plans will be brought to fruition. Not mine. His vision will be complete, not mine. I don't have to do the hard stuff; I GET to do the hard stuff. Because when I do, when I trust in Him, He shows me more and more of what He's made of. And my faith grows. And I am filled up with more and more of Him and made complete in His grace, mercy and great love. Then I WANT to commit it all to Him, because He has revealed I can trust Him and my faith is being made complete! It's so joyfully freeing!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Because God provided all we needed for this event on Saturday, we were able to hand out several sets of free tickets. One set went to a homeless family. The daughter is not currently in the family's custody, but they had visitation privileges with her on Saturday. The mom, whom we had met at a previous Mighty Strong Girls service project, said the daughter was upset because two brothers were returned to the parents' custody. She was feeling dejected, angry and unloved. So I handed her two tickets and prayed the dad and daughter would show up. They did. Some younger girls took the daughter under their wings, lavished her with love and made her feel like the most important person there. And that dad gave. Out of his poverty, he gave to the ministry. Even though we wanted them there so we could bless them, he was the one who blessed us the most. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What an incredible reminder of the great power of God's love and what happens when we simply put our faith in Him! I am forever in awe!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-44982426561121430432014-06-12T12:11:00.000-05:002014-06-12T12:16:36.048-05:00Girls need heroes<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> About a year ago, I happened across the Instagram account of a girl on my daughter's softball team. Turns out, she was in her grade at school. If I'm doing my math right, that would have made her 9 or 10, maybe 11, at the time. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I was stunned. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> First, her account was public. Anyone could view her profile and all her posts/photos/comments. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Second, everything she posted reeked of desperation to be loved.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Her professed relationship status (not a mandatory part of your Instagram profile, by the way) was "used to be taken" with lots of sad faces. She had photo after photo of handwritten notes about her unrequited love for a boy in her grade. She took every opportunity to let anyone who would give her attention know that she still yearned for her ex-boyfriend and would take him back in a heartbeat.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Third, what on earth is a child this young even doing on social media. Ugh! This kind of thing just annoys me! If you give your elementary or middle school age kid a phone and access to the internet (which I think is dangerous and unwise to begin with but if you decide they are responsible enough) police it, hover like a helicopter, comb through everything daily, watch over them like a hawk. They are children. It's your job! Help them discern what and how to post. Protect them from being vulnerable and victimized! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Anyway, I talked to my husband about this, as he was assistant coaching the team. He said this girl made him feel uncomfortable in her desperation for his attention, baiting him for remarks about her appearance and constantly needing to be validated that included being on her cell phone texting people if she couldn't get anyone in the dugout to talk to her. She had no sense of boundaries in relationships.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> In that entire season, I never saw a dad. I never heard mention of a dad. Not that she didn't have one. I have no idea. But he was not present. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Her story is hardly unique or new. Girls whose dads (or stepdads or grandpas) aren't around or available are naturally desperate for masculine love. Shouldn't this be predictable? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Well, we can simply observe, shake our heads and be critical. OR, we can all decide to do something to come alongside these girls. It's not their fault! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Of course this girl craves love. We were ALL built to desire love. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Why do dads matter? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> — 21 percent of 12-15-year-olds said their No. 1 concern was not having enough TIME with their parents, while only 8 percent of parents thought they didn't have enough time with their kids. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> — Girls who live with their mothers only have significantly less ability to control impulses, delay gratification and have a weaker sense of conscience (right or wrong). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> — When a father is involved in his kids' day-to-day activities, they are more likely to confide in him and seek his emotional support. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> — Girls with good fathers are less likely to flaunt themselves to seek male attention. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Again, these are all statistics gathered for Dr. Meg Meeker's amazing book, <i>Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> How can you really live out the role of a strong father? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> According to Meeker, you can become her hero. In fact, she's naturally chosen you, and she cannot survive without a humble hero who is her rescuer and defender. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> "She needs a hero to navigate her through a treacherous popular culture. And you should know that being a twenty-first century hero is tough stuff. It means walking into embarrassing, uncomfortable or even life-threatening situations in order to rescue your daughter," says Meeker.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> As much as it irritates me that the media and popular culture is responsible for objectifying and sexualizing girls, it angers me that it demasculinizes men and boys. They've made men appear weak, spineless and without purpose.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> It's no wonder our men aren't sure how to be a hero anymore. Culture is robbing them of a key component of their God-ordained identities, just as we are deceiving girls about their value in God's eyes. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> It's my prayer that events like this weekend's Father-Daughter Gala and others will begin to heal the past hurts that have come between relationships and seal a bond between dads and daughters that is filled with redemption and hope. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> As Father's Day approaches, I celebrate the awesome dad my husband is for his daughter. He builds her up, joins her in the things that interest her and expresses love for her that encompasses all of who she is. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Let's pray for a courageous generation of dads to come to the rescue of ALL girls. We need for men to intervene when girls are young and begin speaking truths into their lives! They don't have to be dads; mentors and father figures like grandpas or uncles can be very effective, too. Godly men, it's time to be courageous; we support and celebrate you! We are fighting this battle together. Let's do it radically and with conviction! </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-76685810376720123772014-06-10T11:19:00.001-05:002014-06-10T11:38:21.467-05:00Dads play a HUGE role in affirming a girl's true value!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Not long ago, I overheard a man compliment a teen girl he knew. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> "You're getting so thin and tan and fit. You're really looking good," he told a girl, who looked a little shocked and embarrassed by the remark. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I don't think the man meant harm. I believe he wanted to let her know that she was evolving into a lovely young lady, and I hope his intentions weren't just about the physical transformation. Sometimes, especially with people we don't know well, we can't find the right words. It's those times when no words might be better! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Well, this girl happens to be thin, tan and fit mostly as a result of a sport she excels at, so perhaps focusing on that would be more appropriate. I felt just awful for her, awkwardly hanging on his every word. Fortunately, she's the kind of girl who knows she's more than the superficial. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> More than anything, all people need to know they matter. But when the message girls repeatedly get is about their body shape, skin color, size/weight, makeup, hair, eyes, legs, butt, curves, then suddenly they realize that's what matters MOST. It's hard enough when the media focuses only on these, but when people do....well, just ick! These girls are more than the sum of their "parts." What about their intellect, talents, skills, interests, goals, academic pursuits, athletic abilities? It suddenly all comes down to how physically attractive — how "sexy" they are. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I'm watching my own 11-year-old daughter evolving into this young lady, a process that is just as much an emotional and intellectual maturity as a physical one. Some of her traits that have always been there are becoming more honed, more obvious — her compassion, her service, her creativity, her giftedness. She NEEDS to know she's loved for her character and her attributes that have nothing to do with her physical appearance. <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;">ALL girls need and deserve to know, and they need to know from their dad or a father figure.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Here are a few reasons why: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> — Parent connectedness is the No. 1 factor preventing girls from indulging in drugs and alcohol and premarital sex. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> — Girls with doting fathers are more assertive. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> — Daughters who perceive their fathers care about them, who feel connected to their dads, have significantly fewer suicide attempts, fewer instances of body dissatisfaction, depression, low self-esteem, substance use and unhealthy weight. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> — A girl's self-esteem is BEST PREDICTED by her father's physical affection. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> — Girls with good fathers are less likely to flaunt themselves to seek male attention. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> — Girls with involved fathers wait longer to initiate sex and have lower rates of teen pregnancy. Teen girls who live with both parents are three times less likely to lose their virginity before their 16th birthday. <br /> All of these are statistics Dr. Meg Meeker compiled for her highly-recommended book, <i>Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> If you haven't spent some quality time with your daughter lately — or you know a girl who could use a father-figure in her life — please take three hours this weekend to show her she matters! Life is busy. Time moves quickly. But you can be the answer to a big prayer in her life...show her she matters for all the right reasons! And it takes such a small investment: Three hours and $20. What you'll get in return is priceless!<br /> Some awesome volunteers with Mighty Strong Girls are taking the awkward out of this by holding this special event where you can spend quality time together, create memories and give your daughter what she needs. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Buy your tickets now at <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/father-daughter-gala-tickets-11674624115?aff=eorg">http://www.eventbrite.com/e/father-daughter-gala-tickets-11674624115?aff=eorg</a></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981420632079253395.post-12151854998179603792014-06-01T15:23:00.000-05:002014-06-01T15:23:05.732-05:00This year's swimsuit shopping shocked me!<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14378">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Something new happened when I went shopping for a bathing suit this year. It was unexpected and shocking. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14494">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14495">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">First,
I found several on the rack that I sincerely liked — and not because of the label language that goes something like this: "flattering on all figures" or "pattern that disguises tummies" or "perfect for post maternity (and moms who had babies 10 years ago and still can't get the weight off)." </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14495">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14495">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So I stepped in the dressing room with an armful of suits and something new: optimism. Oh, two something news. I also brought an accomplice.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14495">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14495">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I pulled on a bathing suit top first. It tied around the neck and the
midriff, with a mostly open back. There were four layers of ruffles down
the front. It was black and white and bright pink with lots of polka
dots. It was very happy and fun. So much so that I had taken two tops of
similar styles with me into the dressing room. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14496">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Oooo,
mom, I love it. It looks so good on you!” said my enthusiastic
11-year-old daughter after she secured the ties in the back. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14497">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14498">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Normally
a suit like this would have specific “triggers” for self loathing: the
low cut that might show off a mole I don’t like, the general wide
exposure of the back that could reveal the folds of skin on my “fat
back.” </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14499">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Those
were the reject-worthy features I was specifically looking for, but
here’s what was unexpected. I didn’t see them, the negative things. The mole. The rolls. Maybe they were there,
maybe not. All I saw was a pretty phenomenal looking middle-age woman in a bathing
suit that flattered her figure. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14500">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Wow,” I replied. “I love it, too! Well, I guess I’ll try on the others to see if I like any of them.”</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14501">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14502">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Normally,
that would be a bad idea. If you’ve ever shopped for a swimming
suit, I’m pretty sure this is a golden rule. If you find one that you
like — even the slightest bit — you stop trying on suits immediately and buy it.
The odds of further swimming suit shopping success are stunted at
best. To keep trying them on is an invitation for disappointment.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14503">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It
had been two years since I graced the dressing room with a bathing
suit. I typically shop at a large department store with a huge selection
and a range of reasonable prices. I would not mind paying more for a suit that
made me look more fit than I am. In the past, I might have even
considered taking out a loan for one that could erase 20 years. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14504">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14505">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I
would drag a dozen suits illegally (six item limit and all….as if you
really want to make the walk of shame to the discard rack that many
times!) to the dressing room. <i>What kind of lighting is this,</i> I would
wonder, as I pulled off my
clothing and contemplated the frumpy, stretched and pocked thighs and
belly appearing before me. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14506">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14507">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Well,
it must be a combination of the lighting and this cheap mirror</i>, I would
think, <i>because there’s no way I really look like that. Do I???? </i></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14508">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14509">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So
after the first 12 discards and the walk of shame, I would creep back
into a different dressing room — the one in the back where the
flickering fluorescent light is, a gamble that a shadow or six might improve things — my shoulders sagging a bit more than
the time before. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14510">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14511">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As
I would suck in my stomach and fight with myself about the fact that I
am now one size away from the plus sizes — how did that happen? — I
would pray that this one would be THE ONE. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14511">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14511">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A match made in heaven. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14511">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14511">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A
God-ordained suit that would
make me look like I didn’t just down a pantry of Doritos and glazed
donuts washed down with a monster-size fountain soda. (I don't really eat those things...I just have a figure that indicates that I do.)</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14512">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14513">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Please,
God, please! </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14513">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14513">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Make this torture end. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14513">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14513">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I manage to get by most days with a
decent self-respecting confidence, and this feeling is uncomfortable. I
KNOW I am more valuable than the way I look in a bathing suit, but is
it too much to ask for you to ordain a bathing suit for me that will
make me feel good about myself while swimming, too? </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14514">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14515">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So here I am, two years later, loving one suit and trying on two more. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14516">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14517">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The
second one is tricky. It’s adorable — bright pink and polka dots —
but it’s hard to tug on. It’s a size too small. It fits, but the fight
of putting it on isn’t
worth it. I set it aside. If they have it a size up, I know I’ll buy
this one, too. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14518">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14529">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And my daughter, she loves it! She’s gushing about not just the suits but how great they look on me. I could do this all day. This happiness and pleasure in a dressing room is unheard of...I think I heard the clerks discussing whether to have security on backup in case I was delusional, on the verge of breakdown and putting the whole store at risk. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14519">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14520">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It’s
about this point I realize that I had not showered yet today. We worked
at a garage sale all morning, and I had no makeup on. Can you believe
it? I was shopping for a bathing suit with no makeup on, with hairy
armpits. Unheard of! The giddy factor just raised two notches, and I could definitely hear murmurs of disbelief on the other side of the door. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14521">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14522">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I’m
grabbing the third suit at this point. It’s floral print with a style
that is reminiscent of the 1950s. I absolutely love this suit, so I’m
praying God will make this a match, too! Why not? Things are going so well. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14528">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14523">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I
pull up the straps of the one-piece, and my daughter is in love with
it. I spin and look. Wow! I look like Marilyn Monroe. Curvy and carefree
and cute as a button. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14527">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14526">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I step out of the dressing room, my shoulders back, my neck stretched high, my chin up. I meet up with my husband and son. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14524">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14525">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“You’re
never going to believe this,” I say, still reeling from the shock
myself. “but I love every suit I tried on. This never happens. So which
one do you like?” </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14530">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I
hold them up and he picks the pink polka dot. I go to the rack and grab
the next size up. Unfortunately, it was mislabeled and I had to return
it. I ended up getting the Marilyn Monroe number. I love how it makes me
feel. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I spend the next several days reflecting on this experience. What changed in two years? </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14531">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Initially,
I attribute it to the fact that I had my daughter there, cheering me
on, telling me how fabulous I looked in every single suit. I must admit,
that was nice. I think I will bring her next time. She saw
me the way I should have seen myself, and it was a good check and
balance. I believe she helped me see past the self criticism, as I always choose my adjectives wisely around her when it comes to the way I see myself. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14532">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here’s
the kicker, though. I was shopping at Wal-mart. I would normally never
consider buying a bathing suit at Wal-mart. The dressing room was a
mess. The lighting and mirror had to be way less flattering than anything I had
ever been exposed to in a suit. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14533">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Aside
from her comments, I was giddy about how nice I looked in the suits. I
think mostly what happened was a shift in my perspective — a
transformation that began on the inside two years ago that made me look
at my physical self in a whole new way. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14534">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I cannot be absolutely sure, but I am fairly certain I am bigger and weigh more than I did two years ago. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14535">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I’m
learning to love myself — even without makeup. Even the stretch marks.
The ones my husband has loved since they day they became part of me —
somewhere in the sixth or seventh month of my second pregnancy. Badges
of honor, he called them. Rewards for being able to be the mother of my son, the miracle conception. Well worth it to wear them the rest of this life. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Easy for him to say. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14536">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Turns
out it was easy for me to say, too, but simply harder to believe. My
baby will turn 10 this summer, and I can FINALLY just now in this moment at age 40 agree that I love them
when I look at them. It’s true…I LOVE my stretch marks. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14537">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It’s
funny when I mentioned them the other day, my husband insisted I didn’t
have any. He applauded them 10 years ago and forgot them in the time
that’s lapsed since. He doesn’t see them anymore. Or at least he doesn’t
label them. They are simply a part of me like any other part. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401652176502_14538">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Why
do we loathe a process of change that is God-ordained. My physical
beauty is SUPPOSED to fade — or droop, depending on your perspective. Stretch marks, spider veins, wrinkles, grey
hair…they
are all part of life and aging. If God created us, and this is natural
aging, then it is GOOD! Why on earth would we ever presume to criticize the work of a holy, loving God?</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What is even better than how I look in this moment is the transformation of realizing the truth in this. What I love most about my swimming suit experience isn't that I loved what I saw, it's that I loved what I FELT. The emotional part was exhilarating!</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2
Corinthians 4:16 says “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self
is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br class="yiv1422152475" /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1422152475">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Praise be to God for the transformation that is the renewal of my inner self who sees what God sees: True beauty!</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0